Former President Trump’s Trial in New York City: Latest Updates and Developments

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.

In recent developments, Judge Juan Merchan has denied a defense motion to sanction prosecutors for the late production of evidence in the case earlier this year. The defense had argued that prosecutors engaged in misconduct and sought to interfere with the 2024 election. The judge found that the defendant had enough time to prepare and respond to the evidence.

Additionally, an appeals court has upheld Judge Merchan’s decision not to recuse himself from the case, despite the defense’s objections based on his daughter’s work for a consulting firm with Democratic clients. The court also denied Trump’s request for a change of venue for the trial.

Trump, who had previously indicated he would testify in the trial, ultimately decided not to take the stand. He cited concerns about the judge’s rulings and the lack of a strong case against him as reasons for his decision.

As the trial progresses, the defense has rested its case after testimony from Robert Costello, a former legal adviser to Michael Cohen. Costello’s testimony focused on his interactions with Cohen and his role in passing messages to Trump. The defense is expected to rest its case today.

With Trump’s son Don Jr. expected to attend the trial for the first time, the proceedings are set to continue with final arguments and jury instructions before deliberations begin next week. The outcome of this historic trial will have significant implications for the former president and the legal landscape surrounding presidential accountability.