Bombshells in Trump’s Trial Show How This Case Will Get Worse for Him
May 7, 2024
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Kim Wehle, a professor of law and former assistant U.S. attorney, discusses the bombshells in Trump's trial, including Hope Hicks's testimony undermining his defense, new evidence linking payments to Stormy Daniels, Trump held in contempt, and predictions of more damaging revelations ahead.
Hope Hicks's testimony links Trump to hush-money payments and confirms his awareness of them.
Deborah Tarasoff's testimony provides a clear chain of custody for checks, solidifying Trump's involvement.
Deep dives
Importance of Hope Hicks's Testimony
Hope Hicks's testimony in Donald Trump's Hush Money trial is crucial as it links the payments to concerns about the 2016 campaign and confirms Trump's awareness of them. Hicks' detailed account of discussions with Trump regarding the Stormy Daniels payment highlighted the critical timing that aligns with the government's case. By emphasizing the direct involvement of Trump in the payment process, Hicks's testimony significantly impacts the trial's narrative and establishes Trump's knowledge and intent.
Significance of Tarasoff's Testimony
Deborah Tarasoff's testimony regarding the financial transactions related to Michael Cohen's payments provided a clear chain of custody for the checks. Her account revealed that payments exceeding $10,000 required multiple signatures, including Trump's, underscoring his direct involvement. The dual funding sources from the Trump organization and Trump's personal account further solidified the link between Trump and the hush money payouts. Tarasoff's testimony refuted claims of Trump's passive role, indicating his active participation in the scheme.
Implications of Witness Credibility and Corroborating Evidence
The credibility of key witnesses like Hope Hicks and the bookkeeper, alongside corroborating evidence such as audio recordings and financial records, strengthens the prosecution's case against Trump. Hicks's truthful testimony and emotional responses in court underscore the seriousness of the allegations and her commitment to the rule of law. As the trial progresses, the presentation of additional evidence and testimonies, including from Michael Cohen, is expected to further bolster the prosecution's argument, potentially revealing more incriminating details tying the hush money payments directly to Trump.
Donald Trump’s hush-money trial in Manhattan has already served up some extraordinary moments. On Friday, former Trump aide Hope Hicks’s tearful testimony undermined the defense that Trump’s legal team will attempt to mount. On Monday, new evidence tied the payments to mistress Stormy Daniels tightly to Trump, and he was again held in contempt for attacking jurors, this time threatened with jail. We talked to Kim Wehle, a professor of law and former assistant U.S. attorney, about why these developments signal still more damning revelations ahead.