Day two of Stormy Daniels testimony in hush money trial
May 9, 2024
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NPR reporter Andrea Bernstein discusses Stormy Daniels' second day of testimony in the hush money trial, highlighting inconsistencies and defense tactics. Topics include Daniels' motives, book deal, and documentary. Courtroom drama and implications for Trump's reputation are explored.
Despite defense attempts to question her credibility, Stormy Daniels maintained her story about being paid hush money by Trump.
Judge denied lifting gag order in Trump's trial, citing concerns of deterrence to future witnesses by Trump's responses.
Deep dives
Cross-examination of Stormy Daniels
The defense in Donald Trump's New York criminal trial concluded their cross-examination of Stormy Daniels. Despite facing questions about inconsistencies in her accounts of a sexual encounter with Trump, Daniels maintained her story about being paid to keep quiet during the 2016 campaign. They highlighted discrepancies in Daniels' past interviews and social media posts to challenge her credibility and motives, suggesting she was driven by financial gain.
Judge's Decision on Gag Order
In the trial, Trump's lawyers sought to lift the gag order to enable Trump to respond to Daniels' testimony. The prosecution argued that Daniels' account reflected a power imbalance and coercion, which concerned Trump before the 2016 election. The judge denied lifting the gag order, citing the potential deterrence of future witnesses by Trump's responses. Additionally, a mistrial motion based on new evidence was also rejected, maintaining the trial's proceedings.
Adult film actress Stormy Daniels took the stand for the second time in the New York hush money case. The defense continued their cross-examination of Daniels attempting to highlight inconsistencies in her story about meeting Trump in 2006. Defense attorneys questioned whether Daniels was out to make money, asking her about a book deal and documentary she was in.