Hugo Lowell, political investigations reporter for The Guardian, discusses Trump's hush money trial and allegations of violating gag order. Topics include Hamas ceasefire talks, Biden condemning campus violence, and Florida banning lab-grown meat sales.
Former President Trump faced accusations of violating a gag order during his hush money trial, leading to uncertainty in trial proceedings.
Lawyer Keith Davidson detailed the hush money deal he brokered with Stormy Daniels, shedding light on the agreements made.
Deep dives
Trial Developments and Gag Order Violations
The trial of former President Donald Trump involved further developments as he faced accusations of violating a gag order. Prosecutors presented additional statements they claimed breached the order, one of which referred to Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen. Despite fines imposed for previous violations, potential jail time was not pursued. Trump, who initially expressed willingness to testify, later cited the gag order as a reason for possibly not testifying, leading to uncertainty in the trial proceedings.
Keith Davidson's Testimony and Hush Money Deal
During the trial, lawyer Keith Davidson testified about negotiating hush money agreements with Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougall, who alleged affairs with Trump. Davidson detailed the deal made for Daniels' silence, shedding light on the agreements brokered. While Davidson refrained from terming the transactions as hush money, Trump's legal team found leverage in this distinction. Additionally, a significant secret recording featuring Michael Cohen discussing payments added a new dimension to the trial.
Rebuilding and Criminal Investigation of Bridge Collapse
The timeline and cost for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed, were revealed, estimating a lengthy period and substantial expenses. As recovery efforts continue, investigations into the incident now include a criminal inquiry by the FBI. Questions arise regarding the crew's awareness of potential mechanical issues that may have led to the bridge collapse, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Thursday was Day 10 of former President Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial in Manhattan. Before testimony resumed, Justice Juan Merchan held a second hearing on new allegations that Trump violated his gag order. Later, Keith Davidson, a lawyer for Stormy Daniels, walked the jury through the deal he brokered between Trump and the adult film star in exchange for her silence. Hugo Lowell, political investigations reporter for The Guardian, shares the latest details from inside the courthouse.
And in headlines: Hamas officials said they would meet with negotiators in Egypt to continue talks for a ceasefire in Gaza, President Biden condemned the violence breaking out on college campuses across the country, and Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law that bans and criminalizes the sale of lab-grown meat in the state.