Live Thread: Trump's hush money trial begins in NYC

[240B]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHdGg3FOjv8

[Hoodat]

That was awesome, @240B

[240B]

That was awesome, @240B

Can you imagine Biden even being 'awake' at midnight?

Can you imagine Biden speaking 40 minutes with no teleprompter without mentioning Corn-Pop and cannibals?

I will not compare the person Trump to the messiah Christ. However, this trial is very similar to the Biblical records of Christ's trial, without the beatings. The crucifixion of Trump would definitely happen ... if the Democrats could get away with it ... if we were back in those times.

And the crowds would cheer ...

[Cyber Liberty]

As I watch this thread, it dawns on me who the target audience is with these show trials....

[DCPatriot]

As I watch this thread, it dawns on me who the target audience is with these show trials....

Personally, I am beyond sick about all of it.  My BP redlines if I follow too closely.

They're going to make a national hero out of the assassin...John Hinckley, Oswald or John Wilkes Boothe will be pikers i comparison thanks to social media.

It's gone so far now that even if he suspended his campaign, he's still a dead man walking.

[LMAO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHdGg3FOjv8

lol

That was a spot on impression

[libertybele]

Personally, I am beyond sick about all of it.  My BP redlines if I follow too closely.

They're going to make a national hero out of the assassin...John Hinckley, Oswald or John Wilkes Boothe will be pikers i comparison thanks to social media.

It's gone so far now that even if he suspended his campaign, he's still a dead man walking.

Trump's safety is something that I have been concerned about for quite sometime.  As I have stated before, the leftists are going to do and use whatever it takes to prevent him from being re-elected.  They are never going to give up their power and they are never going to let him be seated in the WH.

Prayers up for Trump's safety and the safety of his family.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Personally, I am beyond sick about all of it.  My BP redlines if I follow too closely.

They're going to make a national hero out of the assassin...John Hinckley, Oswald or John Wilkes Boothe will be pikers i comparison thanks to social media.

It's gone so far now that even if he suspended his campaign, he's still a dead man walking.

The fascists are running out of time and options @DCPatriot   Polling update out today:

[Right_in_Virginia]

Stephen Miller
@StephenM

This is not a trial. This is a Biden-Democrat SHOW TRIAL. Merchan (Biden donor), like so many other Democrat judges in anti-GOP prosecutions, is forbidding the defense from defending their innocent client. A Democrat judge and prosecutor hiding evidence from a Democrat jury.



9:21 AM · Apr 24, 2024

[Right_in_Virginia]

Stephen Miller
@StephenM

I don’t think people have fully internalized just how wicked this communist Biden show trial in Manhattan really is. The presumptive Republican nominee for president, the opposition leader, Joe Biden’s chief political rival, has been removed by force from the campaign trail by a local Democrat prosecutor and local Democrat judge — thereby preventing Trump, every minute he is on trial, from campaigning for president, fundraising, or from aiding in the retake of the Senate or control of the House.

The fate of our democracy, our sovereignty, safety and liberty, of war and peace, hinge on an election now underway, and a partisan Democrat prosecutor and judge has subordinated that entire national election — the franchise of every voting citizen — beneath this sick hoax of a trial.

A trial for a non-crime almost one decade old based on repudiated nonsense nearly two decades old but which somehow requires a criminal trial right now.

Democracy does indeed need saving: OURS.

1:55 PM · Apr 24, 2024

[DCPatriot]

The fascists are running out of time and options @DCPatriot   Polling update out today:

@Right_in_Virginia

At this point, the polls don't impress me whatsoever.

In fact, the wider the gap, the more danger President Trump is in.  They're going to kill him.  Guaranteed.

Wish Donald Trump, Jr. was getting his chops since 2016 instead of shacking up with Kimberly Guilfoyle...who incidentally shacked up with "Mr. Hair" Gavin Newsom.

FEEL LIKE WE'RE LIVING IN A ROBERT LUDLUM  NOVEL!  Or, is it really Sidney Sheldon??  /s

[corbe]

   A recap from the swill before Pecker's testimony begins in the AM.

Pecker testimony reveals backroom deals that helped Trump win 2016

BY ELLA LEE - 04/24/24 6:00 AM ET

NEW YORK — The sordid details of shady backroom dealings spilled out in open court Tuesday when ex-National Enquirer publisher David Pecker confessed his magazine used “checkbook journalism” to pay off sources with unsavory stories about Donald Trump.

The longtime executive admitted to a judge and a jury that his job was to “catch and kill” bad press centered on Trump, including allegations of affairs and children born out of wedlock.

As the Manhattan district attorney’s lead witness, Pecker’s testimony bolstered the theory at the heart of the state’s case — that Trump and his allies attempted to influence the outcome of the 2016 election by burying bad news about Trump while elevating wild claims that were embarrassing to his political opponents.

That alleged conspiracy underpins the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records Trump faces in connection with one of the hush money deals. He’s pleaded not guilty to the charges.

And there’s more to come. Pecker is again expected to take the stand Thursday when the trial will next be held.

<..snip..>

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4616522-pecker-testimony-trump-2016/

[240B]

   A recap from the swill before Pecker's testimony begins in the AM.

Pecker testimony reveals backroom deals that helped Trump win 2016

BY ELLA LEE - 04/24/24 6:00 AM ET

NEW YORK — The sordid details of shady backroom dealings spilled out in open court Tuesday when ex-National Enquirer publisher David Pecker confessed his magazine used “checkbook journalism” to pay off sources with unsavory stories about Donald Trump.

The longtime executive admitted to a judge and a jury that his job was to “catch and kill” bad press centered on Trump, including allegations of affairs and children born out of wedlock.

As the Manhattan district attorney’s lead witness, Pecker’s testimony bolstered the theory at the heart of the state’s case — that Trump and his allies attempted to influence the outcome of the 2016 election by burying bad news about Trump while elevating wild claims that were embarrassing to his political opponents.

That alleged conspiracy underpins the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records Trump faces in connection with one of the hush money deals. He’s pleaded not guilty to the charges.

And there’s more to come. Pecker is again expected to take the stand Thursday when the trial will next be held.

<..snip..>

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4616522-pecker-testimony-trump-2016/

However, under cross-examination, Pecker’s revelations seemed to unravel the narrative that had been carefully constructed by the prosecution. Pecker testified that it was not Trump, but he and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen who were primarily concerned about potentially harmful stories due to Trump’s celebrity status and history with women.

https://trendingpoliticsnews.com/report-alvin-braggs-key-witness-was-a-massive-flop-mace/

[Right_in_Virginia]

"TRUMP TURNS TRUMP TOWER INTO THE U.N. ON 5TH AVE”

https://twitter.com/TrumpDailyPosts/status/1783330778841288926

[Right_in_Virginia]

However, under cross-examination, Pecker’s revelations seemed to unravel the narrative that had been carefully constructed by the prosecution. Pecker testified that it was not Trump, but he and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen who were primarily concerned about potentially harmful stories due to Trump’s celebrity status and history with women.

https://trendingpoliticsnews.com/report-alvin-braggs-key-witness-was-a-massive-flop-mace/

ICYMI @corbe

Raheem.
@RaheemKassam

This ⬇️

Pecker effectively testified today that he and Cohen drummed up this scheme, without Trump's instruction.

Not a good day for Alvin Bragg and Joe Biden!!!

Travis Media Group
@TMGPolitics

JUST IN:  David Pecker just testified that he’s the one who told Trump women might come to him with stories, because Trump was such a popular bachelor who dated the most beautiful women. 

Apparently Trump was just planning a campaign run, but Pecker and Cohen were the ones worried about women coming forward. 

Does the prosecution realize they just made themselves look ridiculous?  Their key witness just said Trump didn’t even come up with any of this.

12:18 PM · Apr 23, 2024

2:05 PM · Apr 23, 2024

[DB]

However, under cross-examination, Pecker’s revelations seemed to unravel the narrative that had been carefully constructed by the prosecution. Pecker testified that it was not Trump, but he and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen who were primarily concerned about potentially harmful stories due to Trump’s celebrity status and history with women.

https://trendingpoliticsnews.com/report-alvin-braggs-key-witness-was-a-massive-flop-mace/

Doesn't really matter. Politicians paying people to shut up about personal conduct that isn't criminal isn't a crime. It has been done as long as there's been politicians.

[corbe]

   I didn't miss it @Right_in_Virginia as a matter of fact I saw it this morning just figured another spin from the Trump camp.  Pecker being on the witness stand is about Trump spin is it not?

[mystery-ak]

DAY 6

Trump Trials: NY Jury Hears Tabloid Publisher’s Testimony, Supreme Court Hears Immunity Arguments

Former President Donald Trump will be back in a New York City courtroom Thursday as his business records trial resumes after a day’s break.

His appearance comes as the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Washington, DC, over whether he should be immune from prosecution for actions he took during his time as president. Nine justices will hear the case that will define the scope of presidential power.

Trump is the first former president to have been charged with federal crimes.

AP reports jurors in NYC meanwhile will hear more witness testimony from a veteran tabloid publisher, and the former president faces a looming decision over whether he violated a gag order imposed by the judge.

https://twitter.com/BreitbartNews/status/1783149580692893746

more
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2024/04/25/trump-back-in-new-york-city-courtroom-as-trial-resumes/

[mystery-ak]

‘USA’ Chants Erupt As Trump Makes Campaign Stop With Union Workers


Julianna Frieman
Contributor
April 25, 2024 9:31 AM ET

“USA” chants broke out Thursday morning in New York as former President Donald Trump made a campaign stop with union workers.

Trump squeezed in a meeting with members of the Teamsters union at a construction site in Manhattan around 6 a.m. before attending his trial on alleged falsified business records relating to payment for a nondisclosure agreement with former porn star Stormy Daniels.

Video shows crowds of union workers, some wearing neon vests and hard hats, chanting “USA,” “We want Trump” and “We love Trump,” as the former president can be seen signing hats and engaging with those lining the streets.

https://twitter.com/kleavittnh/status/1783453975729070398

more
https://dailycaller.com/2024/04/25/usa-chants-trump-campaign-stop-union-workers/

[libertybele]

‘USA’ Chants Erupt As Trump Makes Campaign Stop With Union Workers


Julianna Frieman
Contributor
April 25, 2024 9:31 AM ET

“USA” chants broke out Thursday morning in New York as former President Donald Trump made a campaign stop with union workers.

Trump squeezed in a meeting with members of the Teamsters union at a construction site in Manhattan around 6 a.m. before attending his trial on alleged falsified business records relating to payment for a nondisclosure agreement with former porn star Stormy Daniels.

Video shows crowds of union workers, some wearing neon vests and hard hats, chanting “USA,” “We want Trump” and “We love Trump,” as the former president can be seen signing hats and engaging with those lining the streets.

https://twitter.com/kleavittnh/status/1783453975729070398

more
https://dailycaller.com/2024/04/25/usa-chants-trump-campaign-stop-union-workers/

Good for him!!  You have to admire the man for being able to engage with his supporters even though the leftists have him tied up in court.

[Right_in_Virginia]

‘USA’ Chants Erupt As Trump Makes Campaign Stop With Union Workers

Julianna Frieman
Contributor
April 25, 2024 9:31 AM ET

“USA” chants broke out Thursday morning in New York as former President Donald Trump made a campaign stop with union workers.

Trump squeezed in a meeting with members of the Teamsters union at a construction site in Manhattan around 6 a.m. before attending his trial on alleged falsified business records relating to payment for a nondisclosure agreement with former porn star Stormy Daniels.

Video shows crowds of union workers, some wearing neon vests and hard hats, chanting “USA,” “We want Trump” and “We love Trump,” as the former president can be seen signing hats and engaging with those lining the streets.

https://twitter.com/CarlHigbie/status/1783467352996122785

[Right_in_Virginia]

"Hundreds of union members came out to support President Trump in New York City.  “We love Trump!’”

https://twitter.com/GOP/status/1783591564515688752

[Right_in_Virginia]

https://twitter.com/TeamTrump/status/1783536163304706193

[corbe]

   The GOP would be crazy to spend $$$ in NY or CA but they aren't known as the 'Stupid Party' for nothing, they've earned that moniker.

[Right_in_Virginia]

https://twitter.com/i/status/1783453975729070398

[corbe]

   President Cruz would be finishing up his second term and handing it off to Gov. DeSantis without the disillusion of the Trumpers.

[Hoodat]

President Cruz would be finishing up his second term and handing it off to Gov. DeSantis without the disillusion of the Trumpers.

This is true.

[deb]

   President Cruz would be finishing up his second term and handing it off to Gov. DeSantis without the disillusion of the Trumpers.

If only!

[libertybele]

   President Cruz would be finishing up his second term and handing it off to Gov. DeSantis without the disillusion of the Trumpers.

That's what should have happened. Unfortunately smearing and lying about candidates and making empty promises won.  Hello - liberalism hasn't worked in the past, isn't working now and sure as heck won't work in the future.

[mystery-ak]

Please try to keep this thread on topic...

[mystery-ak]

DAY 8

Trump compliments prosecution's first witness in criminal trial: 'very nice'

Former President Donald Trump lauded the first witness in his trial in Manhattan, former tabloid publisher David Pecker, as a "nice guy" earlier Thursday ahead of court.

"He’s been very nice. David’s been very nice. He’s a nice guy," Trump told the media while meeting with construction crews in the city early Thursday morning.

Pecker is the prosecution team's first witness in the NY v. Trump case, where the 45th president is facing 34 charges of falsifying business records.

Pecker is the former CEO of American Media Inc., the parent company of publications such as the National Enquirer, who has known Trump stretching back to the 1980s. The former media publisher took the stand earlier this week, where he testified regarding "catch and kill schemes" to allegedly bury negative information about Trump ahead of the 2016 election.

"Catch-and-kill" schemes are understood as tactics used by media and publishing companies to buy the rights of a person’s story with no intention of publishing it. The NY v. Trump case specifically revolves around a payment of $130,000 given to former pornographic actress Stormy Daniels by former Trump personal attorney in 2016 to allegedly silence her claims she had an extramarital affair with Trump in 2006.

Pecker testified Thursday that he first heard of Daniels' claims of a sexual affair with Trump after the notorious "Access Hollywood" tape was unearthed ahead of the election in 2016. He said that Daniels was selling rights to her story for $120,000, which Pecker said the media company could not afford.

"I am not a bank," Pecker said he told National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard of the tip and sale of Daniels' story. Howard then told Pecker he would contact Cohen about the matter, Pecker said.

Prosecutors allege that after Cohen paid Daniels in exchange for silence on the alleged affair, Trump fraudulently logged reimbursements to the personal lawyer as legal expenses. Prosecutors in the case are trying to prove that Trump falsified business records in "furtherance of another crime." The DA's office said the other crime is the violation of a New York law against "conspiracy to promote or prevent election."

Fox News Digital's Emma Colton contributed to this update.
Posted by Chris Pandolfo

[mystery-ak]

Trump says he can't be with wife Melania on her birthday due to 'rigged' trial

Former President Trump wished his wife Melania a "very happy birthday" on Friday morning and complained that he could not spend the day with her because of his "rigged" trial.

Trump spoke to reporters moments before he entered the courtroom for the continuation of his criminal trial on charges of falsifying business records.

"I want to start by wishing my wife Melania a very happy birthday. It'd be nice to be with her but I'm in a courthouse for a rigged trial," Trump said.

The former president and presumptive Republican nominee for 2024 said yesterday's proceedings went "very well" and that his trial "should be over."

"I think we have a judge who will never allow the case to be over in a positive way, he's highly conflicted," Trump said, taking a shot at presiding Judge Juan Merchan.

He also commented on Thursday's Supreme Court hearing on his claim of presidential immunity, calling his attorney's arguments "brilliant."

"I listened to it last night, I thought it was really great. I thought the judge's questions were really great," Trump said. "All presidents have to have immunity, it has nothing to do with me," he asserted.

Trump told reporters he will return to Florida after the trial warps up today to be with his wife.
Posted by Chris Pandolfo

[Hoodat]

The reason this judge has chosen Wednesday instead of Friday as the off day for this trial is to keep Orthodox (i.e. Conservative) Jews from serving on the jury.

[Cyber Liberty]

The reason this judge has chosen Wednesday instead of Friday as the off day for this trial is to keep Orthodox (i.e. Conservative) Jews from serving on the jury.

That is correct.

[mystery-ak]

16 minutes ago
Trump attorney says less than an hour left of Pecker testimony
By Kyle Schnitzer

Just before the first break, Donald Trump's attorney Emil Bove said he expects he has less than an hour left grilling ex-National Enquirer publisher David Pecker on cross-examination.

Manhattan ADA Joshua Steinglass said there will be redirect.

[mystery-ak]

Trump lawyer Emil Bove finishes with cross-examination of David Pecker; DA's redirect begins

Trump attorney Emil Bove just finished cross-examining David Pecker.

Now prosecutor Joshua Steinglass is questioning the ex-Enquirer boss for what's called redirect examination, where he's allowed to ask Pecker to clarify his earlier testimony.

[mystery-ak]

3 minutes ago
Pecker says most Arnold Schwarzenegger payments were between $500 and $2K
By Kyle Schnitzer

Under redirect, where the prosecution gets to question its witness a second time, after the defense's cross-examination, David Pecker said that most of his payments to bury bad stories about Arnold Schwarzenegger were between $500 and $2,000 — but never anything close to $150,000.

"Did you spend anything close to $150,000 to suppress a story for Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign?" Manhattan ADA Joshua Steinglass asked.

"No," Pecker replied.

Pecker said that the most he had ever spent to suppress one of Schwarzenegger's stories was $20,000.

[mystery-ak]

34 minutes ago
National Enquirer readers loved reading positive stories about Trump: testimony
By Kyle Schnitzer

Just before the break, David Pecker testified that the National Enquirer's readers loved reading positive stories about Donald Trump — and how his run for the presidency made sales boom.

“All that base loved reading positive stories about Donald Trump,” Pecker told prosecutors on redirect.

“And when he announced his presidency, going from 'The Apprentice' to running for the president of the United States, our sales increased. Newsstand sales increased."

[Cyber Liberty]

34 minutes ago
National Enquirer readers loved reading positive stories about Trump: testimony
By Kyle Schnitzer

Just before the break, David Pecker testified that the National Enquirer's readers loved reading positive stories about Donald Trump — and how his run for the presidency made sales boom.

“All that base loved reading positive stories about Donald Trump,” Pecker told prosecutors on redirect.

“And when he announced his presidency, going from 'The Apprentice' to running for the president of the United States, our sales increased. Newsstand sales increased."

Is there a point to that argument?

[rustynail]

Trump's Pecker is screwing the prosecution’s case.

[Hoodat]

Even worse, Pecker is the prosecution's witness.

[DB]

Even worse, Pecker is the prosecution's witness.

The purpose is the process. Not the details...

[Cyber Liberty]

Even worse, Pecker is the prosecution's witness.

It reminds me of the Rittenhouse and Zimmerman trials.  The worst damage to the Prosecutors came from their own witnesses.

[Cyber Liberty]

The purpose is the process. Not the details...

Exactly.  In this trial, the Prosecution has every incentive to drag this out as long as possible to keep Trump off the campaign trail.  This can only work if they can get their own guy on the trail, and only if he's capable of convincing people to get on his side.

Is this a recipe for an extremely low turnout in November?

[mystery-ak]

41 minutes ago
Former Trump assistant now under cross-examination
By Kyle Schnitzer

Rhona Graff is being quizzed by Donald Trump attorney Susan Necheles under cross-examination.




34 minutes ago
Trump had ‘rockstar status’ during the height of ‘The Apprentice’: ex-assistant
By Kyle Schnitzer

Donald Trump's former assistant said the former president was at "rockstar status" during the height of his popular reality TV show "The Apprentice."

Rhona Graff has been spending the past five minutes during cross-examination gushing about her former boss.

When asked about her experience at the Trump Organization, Graff said it was "exciting" during her 34-year tenure.

"I never had the same day twice. It was a very stimulating, exciting, fascinating place to be," she testified.

[mystery-ak]

29 minutes ago
Trump thought about having porn star Stormy Daniels on 'Celebrity Apprentice, ' assistant says
By Kyle Schnitzer

Former Donald Trump assistant Rhona Graff said she recalls Trump saying that Stormy Daniels “may have been an interesting candidate" for "Celebrity Apprentice."

Trump attorney Susan Necheles asked Graff whether she heard Trump say she would be an interesting addition to the show. Graff said she didn't hear it directly from Trump, but "it was part of the office chatter."

[mystery-ak]

Gary Farro begins testimony as next witness in Trump hush money trial
By Kyle Schnitzer

The next witness is Gary Farro, a former senior managing director at First Republic Bank. How he relates to the alleged crimes here is not immediately clear.

7 minutes ago
Witness says he was Michael Cohen's banker
By Kyle Schnitzer

Gary Farro testified that he used to be the banker for Michael Cohen at First Republic Bank.

"Michael did a lot of his own business and I didn't find him difficult," Farro said, adding that he worked with Cohen from 2015 to around 2019.

Farro used to be the director at First Republic Bank.

a minute ago
Witness was assigned to Cohen because he could handle 'challenging' individuals

Gary Farro said he was given Michael Cohen as a client due to his "ability to handle individuals that may be a little challenging."

"Frankly, I didn't find him that difficult," Farro said of Cohen.

[mystery-ak]

Done for the day.

[mystery-ak]

DAY 9

Trump just fined 8k for violation of gag order

[mystery-ak]

Former President Donald Trump returns to court for his Stormy Daniels “hush money” trial.

Gary Farro is set to resume testimony. Farro was ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen’s banker at First Republic Bank.

Farro testified he set up a shell company for Cohen that wired $130K to porn star Stormy Daniels.