Trump’s attorney ordered to prevent ex-president from swearing out loud during hush money trial | US News

During Stormy Daniels’ testimony at his hush money trial, a judge instructed Donald Trump’s lawyer to prevent the former president from cursing audibly and shaking his head, as it had the potential to intimidate the witness. Stormy Daniels, a porn star who was paid to keep quiet about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, was giving her testimony in New York when the incident occurred.

Details of the exchange between the judge and Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, were revealed in the official court transcript, which added to what was already a surreal day in court as Ms Daniels described the encounter she claims she had with Trump in Lake Tahoe.

As it happened: Stormy Daniels testifies for the first time during hush money trial

The judge warned Mr. Blanche that Trump’s behavior was contemptuous and instructed him to speak to his client to address the issue. The judge also indicated that he didn’t want to embarrass Trump but made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated in the courtroom.

After Ms Daniels’ testimony, the Trump team questioned her motives and credibility, portraying her as driven by personal animosity towards the former president and seeking financial gain from her allegations. The judge had previously fined Trump for violating a gag order that prohibited him from disparaging witnesses or the jury.

The trial revolves around payments made to Ms Daniels by Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen during the 2016 presidential campaign to keep her allegations of a sexual encounter with Trump confidential. Ms Daniels testified about her interactions with Trump and the payment, while Trump denies the charges against him.