Trump lost his bid to prevent testimony from a porn star and a Playboy model at the former president’s criminal trial in New York, where he’s accused of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments before the 2016 election.
State court judge Juan Merchan ruled Monday that adult film actress Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal can be called as witnesses because their testimony is central to claims by prosecutors that Trump sought to conceal alleged sexual encounters with the women. Trump, who denies wrongdoing, had argued their testimony wasn’t relevant to charges that he’d falsified business records.
Prosecutors assert that the payments were made to silence the two women about alleged affairs with Trump before he became president. The trial has garnered significant attention as it delves into Trump’s financial dealings and personal life before taking office.
Trump’s legal team is expected to continue to challenge the inclusion of Daniels and McDougal as witnesses, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle as the trial progresses. The former president has consistently denied any wrongdoing and criticized the investigation as a political witch hunt.
The inclusion of Daniels and McDougal in the trial could provide crucial insights into Trump’s past actions and potential motivations behind the hush-money payments. As the case unfolds, the testimonies of these two women may shed light on the intricate web of financial transactions and alleged cover-ups that have come under scrutiny.
With the trial now set to proceed with Daniels and McDougal as key witnesses, the legal proceedings are poised to uncover further details about Trump’s involvement in the hush-money scandal. As the courtroom drama unfolds, the public awaits eagerly to see how this high-profile case will impact the political landscape and the legacy of the former president.
