Judge Denies Trump’s Mistrial Request in Hush Money Case

The judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s hush money case has denied Trump’s plea for a mistrial. This decision comes after Trump’s defense team argued that testimony from adult film star Stormy Daniels was prejudicial. The defense claimed that Daniels provided a different version of events in her recent testimony compared to what she had previously stated.

Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, specifically pointed out Daniels’ testimony about an alleged incident in 2006 involving a rolled-up magazine, calling it unbelievable in the context of the case. However, New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan disagreed with Blanche’s assessment, stating that he did not see a significant difference in Daniels’ account.

Merchan also rejected a request from Blanche to modify the gag order imposed on Trump, which prevents him from making public comments about potential witnesses, counsel, jurors, and court staff involved in the case. Trump has been fined $9,000 for violating the gag order multiple times, though he has criticized the order and claimed it restricts his ability to respond to attacks from his critics.

Trump’s trial, which began with jury selection last month, revolves around allegations that he falsified business records related to a $130,000 hush money payment made to Daniels in 2016. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges, while his former attorney, Michael Cohen, has admitted to the payment and pleaded guilty to related charges in 2018.