Extra: In Trump Trial Justice Merchan Reserves Judgment on Reposts Against Michael Cohen

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 23 – The Trump Trial testimony of the National Enquirer's David Pecker was broken up by the contempt hearing Justice Merchan held on April 23.

The prosecutor presented 10 instances he said violated the gag order. Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche said the responses had been political and not about Michael Cohen's or Stormy Daniels' upcoming court testimony. 

 Justice Merchan told Blanche that he is losing credibility, at least with his Court. Alvin Bragg's office is asking for a $1000 fine per post, and that they be taken off the Internet or platform.

No ruling was issued but it seemed clear which way it's headed. 

100 Centre Street, April 23, 2024, by Matthew Russell Lee

 Pecker's status as a witnesses testifying only under subpoena was highlighted by ADA Steinglass told him that not remembering the last name of his assistant was not a good way to begin.

 Pecker said he got along well with Trump, then described two instance of what he called catch and kill: buying stories in order that they not be published. By the 2 pm cut-off he had not even gotten yet to Stormy Daniels.

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