Trump trial live updates: Defense set to resume cross-examination of Michael Cohen

(NEW YORK) — Former President Donald Trump is on trial in New York City, where he is facing felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. It marks the first time in history that a former U.S. president has been tried on criminal charges.

Trump last April pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.

Here’s how the news is developing:

May 16, 9:54 AM
Cohen retakes witness stand

“Let’s get the witness please,” Merchan said, and Michael Cohen entered the courtroom then took his seat at the witness stand.

Cohen carried a water bottle in his hand as he entered and did not look toward Trump when he passed defense counsel table.

Trump turned away from Cohen to his left and whispered to his attorney Emil Bove as Cohen passed.

As Cohen took his place in the witness box, Judge Merchan reminded him that he is still under oath.

May 16, 9:50 AM
Long sidebar conference concludes

After speaking at the bench to Judge Merchan at a private sidebar for approximately 18 minutes, the lawyers returned to their seats.

At the defense table, attorney Todd Blanche leaned in to whisper to Trump.

“I think we are ready to get started,” Judge Merchan said.

May 16, 9:41 AM
Sidebar discussion continues

As the private sidebar continues, Judge Merchan is standing slightly back on the bench with his arms crossed, as Trump attorney Todd Blanche speaks.

At one point, Blanche and prosecutor Joshua Steinglass appeared to laugh.

Trump, seated at the defense table, is leaning back in his chair and his eyes appear to be closed.

May 16, 9:31 AM
Proceedings are underway

“Good morning, Mr. Trump,” Judge Juan Merchan said in his usual fashion after taking the bench.

The proceedings immediately began with a private sidebar between the parties and Merchan.

May 16, 9:28 AM
Trump enters courtroom with several lawmakers

Donald Trump has entered the courtroom accompanied, like yesterday, by an entourage that includes several members of Congress.

Reps. Lauren Boebert and Matt Gaetz are among those seated in the front row of the gallery.

The group is so large that a few members are sitting at the back of the courtroom because the first two rows of the gallery do not have enough space.

May 16, 9:17 AM
Prosecutors enter courtroom

Prosecutors for the Manhattan district attorney’s office have entered the courtroom.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is not currently in attendance.

May 16, 9:08 AM
Trump arrives for proceedings

Former President Trump has arrived at the courthouse for today’s proceedings.

This will be the final day of court this week, as court is off on Friday for Trump to attend his son Barron’s high school graduation.

May 16, 8:23 AM
Cohen arrives at courthouse

Michael Cohen has arrived at the lower Manhattan courthouse for his testimony this morning.

Proceedings are scheduled to get underway at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Testimony is scheduled to conclude at 4 p.m., after which Judge Juan Merchan is scheduled to hear arguments from the parties about the bounds of potential testimony from a defense expert witness.

May 16, 7:30 AM
Defense to resume cross-examination of Cohen

Michael Cohen returns to the witness stand this morning, where the former Trump attorney is expected to face a full day of cross-examination.

Cohen, under direct examination earlier this week, described in-person meetings and phone calls with Donald Trump, who he said joined into an agreement with tabloid publisher David Pecker to catch and kill negative stories ahead of the 2016 election; approved a $130,000 hush money payment from Cohen to Stormy Daniels; and signed off on an arrangement to reimburse Cohen in 2017 using what prosecutors say were falsified invoices. Trump has denied all wrongdoing.

Defense attorneys are expected to question Cohen’s credibility based on his past testimony and previous statements he has made in interviews, podcast and books.

May 15, 8:17 PM
Trump takes fight over gag order to NY’s highest court

Former President Trump has asked New York’s highest court to rescind the limited gag order that prevents him from commenting publicly about witnesses, jurors and lawyers in his ongoing criminal trial, according to a new court filing.

The filing is sealed, but is the next step after an intermediate appeals court yesterday upheld the order imposed by trial Judge Juan Merchan.

Trump has frequently attacked the judge, which is permitted, and has called the limited gag order unconstitutional.

In its ruling yesterday, the intermediate appellate court said that Merchan had appropriately balanced Trump’s free speech rights with the court’s need to control the trial.

There was no immediate comment from the Manhattan DA’s office.

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.