Donald Trump has tried to bypass the restrictions put in place by New York Judge Juan Merchan in what is known as the ?hush money? case against him. As he arrived at the Manhattan court on Tuesday morning, Trump pulled out a sheet of paper and began reading various news reports that criticized the trial.
One such report was from CNN?s legal analyst, Michael Moore, who stated that the prosecution had not yet proven their accusation of falsifying records.
Trump then continued to read from various other media sources, including ABC?s ?Good Morning America,? which stated that payments to lawyers are considered legal expenses. The former president then went on to explain that the legal payments made to his former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, were listed as such and not as other construction costs or electric bills, which is where the prosecution claims the fraud took place.
CNN: Proof of Falsifying Records ?Has Not Been Accomplished Yet?
THIS IS ELECTION INTERFERENCE. pic.twitter.com/aCGEVeXEGo
? Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) May 7, 2024
In the trial, Bragg has charged Trump with falsifying business records by listing a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels as a legal expense. This type of agreement is common and generally considered to be legal. Daniels testified on Tuesday, claiming that she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which he has denied.
Trump continued to quote various news reports, including one from NBC?s ?Today? show, which stated that the prosecution lacks any smoking gun, email, or tape to prove the intent of the President. He argued that there is no case against him and that every legal scholar he has seen has stated the same. He believes that this is simply a case that should not have been brought forth in the first place.
In March, Judge Merchan issued a gag order, prohibiting Trump from publicly discussing any witnesses who he thinks may testify in the trial. This also includes any discussions about the District Attorney?s staff, the court staff, or their family members. However, Trump is allowed to criticize both the District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, and the judge himself. In April, the order was expanded to include Merchan?s own family.
THE COUNTRY IS ON FIRE: There are protests all over the country. I've never seen anything like this. Many graduation ceremonies are being canceled.
And we have a president that just refuses to talk because he can't talk, you know that and so does everyone else. pic.twitter.com/AI2HOpK1tC
? Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) May 7, 2024
Trump has continuously argued that Merchan should recuse himself from the case due to the fact that his daughter is the president of Authentic Campaigns, which has used Trump?s trial as a platform to raise money for Democratic candidates. The New York Post reported that Loren Merchan?s firm has used the trial before her father?s court to solicit donations, potentially making a conflict of interest.
On Monday, Merchan ruled that Trump was in contempt of the gag order for the tenth time for mentioning that the jury consists of Democrats. He fined Trump $1,000 and threatened him with imprisonment if he continues to violate the order. Trump maintains that the judge is biased and has a conflict of interest, and has made multiple attempts to have him removed from the case.

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