Trump Denounces 'Fake Trial' as Hush-Money Trial Enters Fourth Week

As the historic hush-money trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump enters its fourth week, it continues to captivate the nation's attention with its twists and revelations. Here's a breakdown of the key events and testimonies that have unfolded so far.

On his day off from the trial, Donald Trump has been using every opportunity to address his supporters and criticize the legal proceedings. He has gone as far as calling the judge "crooked," "corrupt," and "totally conflicted," while bragging about a purported improvement in his poll numbers due to the criminal charges against him.

Contempt of Court

The tension reached a new high when Trump violated the gag order multiple times, leading to the judge holding him in contempt and imposing fines on him. The prosecutors have condemned Trump's statements as "corrosive" to the trial but have refrained from seeking jail time to avoid disruptions.

The crux of the prosecution's argument revolves around Trump's alleged attempts to "corrupt the 2016 election" through illegal payments and subsequent cover-up. This includes the infamous hush-money payments made to a porn star and a Playboy model to suppress their stories about extramarital affairs with Trump.

Key Witnesses and Testimony

The trial has seen pivotal testimonies from individuals directly involved in the hush-money payments, such as Trump's former attorney, the CEO of National Enquirer publisher American Media, and Trump's personal secretary. Their accounts shed light on the intricate web of transactions and arrangements surrounding the payoffs.

Witnesses, including former White House communications aide Hope Hicks and the lawyer involved in the hush-money negotiations, highlighted the significant impact of the "Access Hollywood" tape on the public perception of Trump and the subsequent surge of interest in the stories of the women involved.