In the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, crucial witnesses took the stand, shedding light on pivotal moments in the case. A California lawyer involved in negotiating deals central to the trial and a longtime adviser to the former president were among those who testified.
A significant piece of evidence presented to the jurors was a 2016 recording of Trump discussing a plan to buy a Playboy model's silence. Testimony also touched on various topics, including the wrestler Hulk Hogan and the impact of Hurricane Matthew.
Outside the jury's presence, Trump faced fines for violating a judge's gag order, with potential additional sanctions looming. The trial has seen intense moments, with highlights from the past week including:
A Political Hurricane and an Actual One
Hope Hicks, a former Trump confidant, detailed the impact of the 2016 'Access Hollywood' recording on the campaign. The disclosure of Trump's comments in the recording led to a frenzy of efforts to suppress damaging stories in the final weeks of the election.
Trump the Extortion Target?
One of Trump's lawyers suggested that Trump might have been a victim of extortion by a key witness in the case. The lawyer who negotiated hush money deals for Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal faced scrutiny over his tactics, including past dealings with celebrities.
Recording Reveals Payment Plan
A recording played in court featured Trump discussing a plan to pay off Karen McDougal to prevent her from disclosing an alleged affair. The recording aimed to establish Trump's knowledge of the hush money payment, with jurors visibly engaged during the playback.
The 'Jerk' and Testimony
Testimony highlighted tense interactions between key figures in the case, including exchanges between Michael Cohen and other individuals involved in the hush money deals. Cohen's credibility came under scrutiny, with details of his past interactions with the lawyer negotiating the deals.
Contempt of Court and Potential Penalties
Trump faced fines for violating the judge's gag order, with the possibility of additional penalties looming. The judge hinted at the potential for jail time for continued violations, a rare scenario that could have significant implications for the former president.
The trial continues to unfold, with key testimonies and evidence shaping the narrative of the case.
