Judge Orders Trump’s Defense Attorney to Address Client’s Behavior During Stormy Daniels Testimony

The judge in Donald Trump’s hush money trial had a stern message for the former president’s defense attorney after Trump’s behavior during Stormy Daniels’ testimony. Judge Juan Merchan called Trump’s attorney to the bench and ordered him to speak to his client about his “contemptuous” actions, as detailed in the trial transcript.

During Daniels’ testimony about her 2006 encounter with Trump, the adult film actress claimed she was paid $130,000 to keep quiet about the affair before the 2016 election. The alleged reimbursement payment made by Trump to his former lawyer Michael Cohen is at the center of the charges against the former president, who has denied the affair and pleaded not guilty.

Merchan expressed concern that Trump’s behavior, including audible cursing and visible signs of contempt, could intimidate the witness and influence the jury. The judge emphasized the need for Trump to show respect during the trial proceedings.

Daniels recounted her interactions with Trump, including a moment where she “spanked” him with a magazine, leading to a change in his demeanor. The trial continues to unfold as more details about the alleged affair and the subsequent hush money payment come to light.

CNN’s Jeremy Herb, Lauren del Valle, and Kara Scannell contributed to this report, providing insights into the ongoing legal battle surrounding Trump’s hush money scandal.