The Donald Trump trial in New York, over hush money paid to a porn star, unraveled into a chaotic day, culminating in the judge clearing the courtroom and warning a witness.
Judge Juan Merchan looked incensed as he questioned defense witness Robert Costello over what appeared to be a challenge to the authority of the court by Costello, after being called to the witness stand by Trump's defense to undermine the testimony of key prosecution witness Michael Cohen. The questions posed to Costello on Monday were met by sustained objections from the prosecution, to which Costello appeared not to comply, often answering the questions anyway.
Judge Merchan reminded Costello that he was to stop answering his questions once an objection had been sustained, but in reaction to one of the sustained objections, Costello reacted audibly, "Jeesh," and rolled his eyes.
Judge Merchan cleared the jury from the courtroom to speak to Costello personally, asking him to comport himself. Costello's reaction, in which he seemed to sneer at the judge, led Merchan to ask him, audibly, if he was trying to intimidate the judge. The courtroom was then evacuated by court staff.
According to transcripts, Merchan forbade commentary on his rulings and warned he would remove Costello from the witness stand if he did not improve his comportment.
After a break, journalists and courtroom observers were readmitted back into the courtroom, and the questioning resumed.
Trump's legal team said it will not call any more witnesses after Costello and closing arguments are expected to come on May 28th.
The New York indictment accuses Trump of attempting to affect the outcome of the 2016 presidential election by facilitating the $130,000 payment to pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels. Although the payment itself wasn't illegal, Trump is charged with doctoring documents to hide the true nature of the reimbursement to attorney Michael Cohen, making it illegal campaign financing.
Trump, who is in the middle of his re-election campaign as the Republican Party candidate, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If found guilty, he may face imprisonment.
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