Former President Donald Trump's money trial is entering a critical phase as former adult film star Stormy Daniels continues her testimony. Daniels' account of her alleged sexual encounter with Trump nearly two decades ago has been a source of embarrassment for the former president, prompting aggressive cross-examination by her attorney. Trump's relationship with Presiding Judge Juan Merchan has been strained, with the judge threatening jail time if Trump continues to violate a gag order.
The trial will become even more intense with the expected testimony of Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer and fixer. Cohen's testimony is expected to be crucial to charges that Trump falsified business records to hide a payment of money to Daniels. Trump, who denies the affair, has pleaded not guilty in the case.
Cohen, who once claimed he would “take a bullet” for Trump, facilitated the $130,000 payment to Daniels. Since then, Trump has called Cohen a traitor and tried to undermine his credibility as a witness by highlighting Cohen's prison time for fraudulent conduct.
The coming days of the trial will require Trump to show restraint and self-discipline, qualities he has often struggled with. Any behavior that could be perceived as witness intimidation or an attempt to influence the jury could push Judge Merchan to enforce the threat of imprisonment.
Daniels and Cohen's testimony could expose aspects of Trump's past that he would prefer to remain hidden, particularly the hush-money payment made before the 2016 election. This trial unfolds during a new White House campaign, years after the alleged transgressions.
Cohen's time on the stand could be especially difficult for Trump. While Daniels' account of their alleged encounter is embarrassing, it is Cohen who holds the key to the case against Trump. Their actions and knowledge directly address whether Trump knowingly falsified business records, a fact the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury.
Trump's volatile temper often flares when he feels unfairly attacked, and his tendency to retaliate when under pressure could lead to further legal complications. The next few days of the hush money trial will reveal whether Trump has learned of the missteps in the courtroom.
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