Tense Moment in Trump Trial as Judge Reprimands Lawyer
By Boniface Ihiasota, USA
In a dramatic turn of events at Donald Trump’s hush-money trial in New York, Justice Juan Merchan cleared the court and sternly reprimanded a witness, adding to the intensity of the high-profile case.
Excel Magazine International reports that the judge’s outburst came during the testimony of Robert Costello, a lawyer who once advised Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney.
“You don’t make a side-eye, you don’t roll your eyes,” Justice Merchan admonished Costello, before pointedly asking, “Are you staring me down?”
This incident occurred after Costello had previously called Cohen a liar during a congressional hearing.
Cohen, who has just completed four days of testimony, stated that his “entire life has been turned upside-down” by the scandal.
He has alleged that Trump approved a plan to reimburse him for the $130,000 paid to Stormy Daniels, a porn star who claims she had a sexual encounter with Trump.
Trump denies falsifying business records to cover up the payment and denies any sexual encounter with Daniels.
After a brief conference at the bench, Justice Merchan excused the jurors for the day, marking the end of a chaotic afternoon in court.
The trial is set to continue with further questioning of Costello, who is expected to face another 45 minutes of cross-examination by prosecutor Susan Hoffinger.
During the session, Hoffinger grilled Costello on his interactions with Cohen, particularly on the day in 2018 when federal authorities raided Cohen’s home.
Costello described Cohen as “acting very manic” during the raid.
Hoffinger, pressing further, highlighted Costello’s long experience as a defense attorney, suggesting he should understand the trauma such an experience could cause.
“But you thought he was being a drama queen, didn’t you?” Hoffinger asked sharply. Costello responded that Cohen was “putting on quite a show.”
Prosecutors also requested that Justice Merchan instruct Costello to avoid contact with Trump, a motion the judge declined to grant, stating he generally does not issue such instructions.
The trial, which delves into the complexities of the hush-money payments and their cover-up, continues to unfold, promising more revelations and dramatic courtroom moments.
