On Tuesday, the adjudicating judge in former US President Donald Trump’s criminal “quiet money” case will make a decision whether Mr. Trump ought to be penalised for breaching a confidentiality order that restricts him from lambasting witnesses and other case participants.
Judge Juan Merchan has received a request from the prosecutors to impose a penalty on Mr. Trump for castigating adult-film actress Stormy Daniels and his ex-legal counsel, Michael Cohen, both of whom are anticipated to provide testimony. The prosecution underscored Mr. Trump’s recent allegation that individuals were providing false testimony to secure a spot on the jury with the intentions of declaring him guilty.
If Judge Merchan agrees with the prosecutors, the fine could result in Mr. Trump paying $1,000 (approximately £764) for each violation, as recommended by Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg’s office.
During the 9.30 am (or 2.30pm in Irish time) hearing, the prosecutors requested Judge Merchan to caution Mr. Trump that persistent violation of the order might lead to more grave penalties. The presiding judge, under law, has the authority to incarcerate Mr. Trump for a maximum of 30 days – a potential unexpected development in the inaugural criminal trial of a previous US president.
Mr. Trump has argued that the partial confidentiality order, which stops him from publicly denouncing witnesses, court personnel, and their kin, contravenes free speech rights.
He faces accusations of falsifying business documents in order to conceal a $130,000 settlement prior to the 2016 election, intended to ensure Ms Daniels remained silent about a sexual encounter she alleges they had in 2006. Mr. Trump has firmly denied the allegations and refutes that such an encounter occurred.
According to prosecutors, this is part of a larger plot to withhold damaging information from voters during a period when he was facing several allegations of sexual misconduct. As prosecutor Matthew Colangelo asserted on Monday, “This is simply a case of election fraud.”
Defence attorney Todd Blanche used his opening statement to assure jurors that no crimes had been committed by Mr. Trump. Referring to Mr. Trump’s actions, he stated Monday that influencing elections is not a crime but part of democracy. He alleges that Mr. Trump’s actions were aimed at preserving his reputation and his family. He also pointed the finger at Ms Daniels, accusing her of seeking financial gain from a false claim about a sexual encounter.
The anticipated appearance of David Pecker, ex-publisher of National Enquirer, before a jury is set for Tuesday, with proceedings resuming from 11am (4pm Irish standard time). Prosecutors allege that Pecker was complicit in a “catch and kill” manoeuvre, aimed at suppressing negative press about Mr. Trump to improve his election odds.
Pecker, 72, confirmed under oath on Monday that his firm financed such stories. In 2018, American Media, the parent company of National Enquirer, conceded that it shelled out $150,000 to ex-Playboy model, Karen McDougal, for her account of an affair with Mr Trump that lasted several months during 2006 and 2007. The company affirmed that it was operating “in concert” with Mr. Trump’s campaign, yet her story was never printed.
The National Enquirer struck a comparable agreement, costing them $30,000, with a doorman who intended to disclose a story about a child allegedly fathered by Mr Trump outside of marriage. The story was subsequently debunked as false by the prosecutors.
As per Mr. Trump’s statements, those payments were made from personal funds and didn’t contravene any campaign laws. Additionally, he refutes McDougal’s claims of an affair.
Amidst Mr. Trump’s four criminal cases, this might be the only one to be trialled prior to his election face-off with President Joe Biden on November 5th. A conviction wouldn’t prevent him from holding office, although it might negatively impact his candidacy. A Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests that half of the independent electorates and a quarter of Republicans would not endorse Mr. Trump if he were guilty of a criminal offence. -Reuters
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