Trump lashes out angrily before his trial's opening statements
Summary
TLDRCNN's special coverage focuses on the unprecedented criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, who is charged with falsifying business records to conceal an alleged affair with an adult film star. The trial's opening statements are anticipated, with the prosecution set to present their evidence and the defense to challenge witness credibility. A key witness, David Pecker, the former head of The National Enquirer, is expected to testify about 'catch and kill' schemes involving Trump's campaign. The trial's outcome could have significant implications for Trump's political future, with his legal team and supporters strategizing on how to navigate the situation both inside and outside the courtroom.
Takeaways
- ð° CNN is providing special coverage of a unique event involving a former U.S. president, Donald Trump, who is facing criminal charges.
- ð Trump is charged with falsifying business records to conceal a potentially damaging story about an affair with an adult film star, which he has consistently denied.
- ð€ The first witness for the prosecution is David Pecker, former head of The National Enquirer, known for buying and suppressing stories that could harm Trump.
- ð¥ The trial involves a jury of 12, with alternates, who will hear opening statements and be presented with evidence by both the prosecution and defense.
- ð The prosecution will outline their case, including the evidence they have gathered against Trump, during their opening statement.
- ð¡ïž The defense, led by Todd Blanch, is expected to focus on the credibility of the witnesses, aiming to undermine the prosecution's case.
- ð£ïž David Pecker's testimony is significant as he has cooperated with prosecutors and may provide insights into 'catch and kill' schemes allegedly involving Trump's campaign and personal attorney Michael Cohen.
- â³ Opening statements are not time-limited but are typically around an hour and a half, with the defense expected to be more concise.
- ð¬ Trump has been vocal on social media, expressing anger and frustration about the trial, the gag order, and the implications for his reputation and upcoming election.
- ð° Despite his advisers suggesting the trial could boost fundraising and support, there is uncertainty about how the general election audience will react to the trial's outcome.
- ð€ There is debate among Trump's advisors and legal experts about whether he should testify, with many arguing it poses significant risks and could be strategically self-defeating.
Q & A
What is the significance of the event being covered by CNN?
-The event is significant because it involves a former president, Donald Trump, who is charged with falsifying business records to hide a potentially damaging story about an affair with a porn star, which could potentially lead to him being put behind bars.
What is the role of David Pecker in this case?
-David Pecker, the former chairman of the publishing company that published The National Enquirer, is the first witness for the prosecution. He has agreed to cooperate with the prosecutors and is expected to speak about 'catch and kill' schemes related to negative stories about Donald Trump.
What are 'catch and kill' schemes?
-Catch and kill schemes refer to the practice of purchasing exclusive rights to a story with the intention of burying it, thereby preventing the story from being published elsewhere. In this case, it is suggested that such schemes were used to silence negative stories about Donald Trump.
Why is the defense expected to focus on witness credibility?
-The defense is expected to focus on witness credibility to challenge the prosecution's case. This is a common strategy in criminal trials where the defense attempts to cast doubt on the reliability and trustworthiness of the prosecution's witnesses.
What are the potential implications of this trial for Donald Trump's political future?
-The trial could have significant implications for Donald Trump's political future, especially if he is convicted. It may affect his public image, his ability to run for office, and his support among voters, particularly in the lead-up to the next presidential election.
Why is there a gag order placed on Donald Trump?
-A gag order is likely placed on Donald Trump to ensure a fair trial, preventing him from making public statements that could influence the jury or interfere with the legal process.
What is the general duration of opening statements in a trial?
-Opening statements typically can take about an hour to an hour and 45 minutes, but there is no strict time limit. The duration depends on the attorneys and the complexity of the case.
What is the stance of South Dakota governor Kristi Noem regarding support for Donald Trump if he is convicted?
-Governor Kristi Noem has stated that if her choice is between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, she would support Donald Trump, indicating a continued backing despite a potential conviction.
Why might Donald Trump's legal team advise against him testifying?
-Testifying could be risky for Trump because it would expose him to cross-examination, where any inconsistencies or lies could significantly harm his case. It's generally advised that defendants only take the stand if it is absolutely necessary.
What is the public narrative that Donald Trump is trying to manage outside the courtroom?
-Donald Trump is using social media to express his anger and frustration about the trial, the gag order, and the fact that he is a criminal defendant. This is part of his effort to control the public narrative and maintain his image ahead of the trial.
What is the potential strategy behind Donald Trump's public claim of intending to testify?
-The public claim of intending to testify could be a strategic move to show confidence and to appeal to his political base. However, it may also be a bluff, as taking the stand could be detrimental to his case.
How might the non-televised nature of the trial impact Donald Trump's decision on whether to testify?
-The non-televised nature of the trial might make it less appealing for Trump to testify, as the act of testifying would not directly benefit his public image or political narrative. It removes the potential advantage of using the stand as a platform to reach a wider audience.
Outlines
ð° CNN's Special Coverage of Trump's Criminal Trial
This paragraph discusses the opening statements in a criminal trial involving former President Donald Trump. Trump is charged with falsifying business records to conceal an affair with a porn star, which he has denied. The first witness, David Pecker, ex-chairman of The National Enquirer, is expected to provide insight into 'catch and kill' schemes that Trump allegedly used to suppress negative stories. The summary also touches on the trial's potential impact on Trump's public image and political future, as well as his frustration with a gag order that prevents him from attacking witnesses publicly. The paragraph concludes with commentary on Trump's strategy and the likelihood of him testifying.
ð€ Trump's Strategy and Potential Testimony
The second paragraph delves into the strategic considerations for Trump's legal team and the former president's own public reactions to the trial. It discusses Trump's anger over the gag order, which prevents him from publicly countering witnesses, and the potential embarrassment and political fallout he faces, especially in the lead-up to the next presidential election. The paragraph also explores Trump's past claims about testifying and the risks associated with taking the stand. Legal experts suggest that testifying could be a tactical error, as it exposes Trump to contradictions and further scrutiny. The discussion includes a debate about whether Trump's public declarations about testifying are more about political posturing than actual intent to participate in the trial proceedings.
ð« Trump's Potential Public Response if Not Testifying
The final paragraph speculates on how Trump might publicly frame his decision if he chooses not to testify. It suggests that Trump could claim the prosecution's case was weak and that his attorneys effectively dismantled their arguments, making his own testimony unnecessary. The paragraph also notes the strategic advantage of the trial not being televised, which would affect how Trump's non-testimony could be communicated to the public and media. The discussion highlights the potential political narrative Trump might use to his advantage, emphasizing the perceived lack of evidence against him.
Mindmap
Keywords
ð¡Lower Manhattan
ð¡Donald Trump
ð¡Falsifying business records
ð¡Porn star
ð¡The National Enquirer
ð¡David Pecker
ð¡Catch and kill schemes
ð¡Stormy Daniels
ð¡Opening statements
ð¡Chief attorney
ð¡Gag order
Highlights
CNN is providing special coverage of an unprecedented event in the United States: a criminal trial involving a former president, Donald Trump.
Donald Trump is charged with falsifying business records to conceal a potentially damaging story about an affair with a porn star, which he has consistently denied.
The prosecution's first witness will be David Pecker, the former chairman of the company that published The National Enquirer, known for 'catch and kill' schemes to protect Trump's image.
The trial involves allegations that Trump's team made hush money payments to silence negative stories during his 2016 campaign.
The opening statements are expected to begin shortly after the jurors assemble at 9:30 AM, outlining the prosecution and defense strategies.
Todd Blanch, Trump's chief attorney, is anticipated to focus on witness credibility during his opening statement.
David Pecker's testimony is significant as he has a cooperation deal with prosecutors and can provide insights into Trump's alleged efforts to suppress negative stories.
The trial could involve testimony from other witnesses, including those who were close to Trump, such as his former attorney Michael Cohen.
The duration of opening statements is not fixed, but they typically last about an hour and are designed not to overwhelm the jury.
Karen McDougal, another woman who accused Trump of an alleged affair, is expected to testify during the trial.
Trump's public and social media comments indicate his anger and frustration with the trial, the gag order, and the perception of unfairness.
Trump's advisers believe the trial could boost fundraising and support, but there is uncertainty about its impact on the general election.
South Dakota governor Kristi Noem expressed continued support for Trump, even if he is convicted, highlighting internal Republican dynamics.
Legal experts suggest that Trump should not take the stand due to the risks, as the prosecution has the burden of proof.
The discussion suggests that Trump'sè¡šæ (stance) on testifying may be more about political posturing than actual intent to participate in the trial.
If Trump decides not to testify, his public narrative is likely to focus on the prosecution's case being weak and his attorneys' effectiveness.
The fact that the trial is not televised may influence Trump's decision not to testify, as it limits the direct impact on voters.
Transcripts
You were
looking at live
pictures of the courthouse
in Lower Manhattan.
This is CNN's
special coverage of an event
the likes of which
this country has never seen.
This morning,
we are standing by for opening statements
in a case that could
ultimately put a former president
behind bars.
Donald Trump is charged
with falsifying business records
to hide
a potentially damaging story
about an affair with a porn star.
This is something he has long denied.
This morning, brand new details
about the first witness,
the prosecution plans to call a man
who once led The National Enquirer.
And as The New York Times
put it, bought and buried stories
that could be damaging to Donald Trump.
CNN's Caitlin Paul is outside the court
this morning for the latest on what we
are expected to see. Caitlin
Well, John, those 18
jurors, the 12 jurors
that will judge Donald Trump,
plus the alternates,
they're all going to be coming in
to the courthouse by nine 30 today.
And then we're off in earnest
in this first criminal trial
against Donald Trump.
Opening statements will be taking place
this morning.
Expected to start pretty quickly
once the jurors
have assembled for the day.
And what they will be doing
is previewing
the contours of the case on both sides.
So the prosecutors
are going to give the jurors
and the public
a glimpse into all of the evidence
that they have collected
against Donald Trump
and want to present to him, represent
against him
over the course of the coming days.
That's what
their opening statement will be.
And then the defense team,
Todd Blanch, Donald Trump's
chief attorney,
is going to be giving
his opening statement.
We do expect that to be largely
about witness credibility,
trying to cut in to what
the prosecutors
are going to be putting on the stand.
The first witness
that will be David Pecker, he's
going to be called
as a witness for the prosecution.
He's the former chairman
of the publishing company
that was publishing
The National Enquirer.
And is a person
who has agreed to cooperate,
got a deal with prosecutors
and is stepping up at this time
to speak about very likely
what he knows of catch and kill schemes.
These schemes in 2016
that Donald Trump
and his campaign were interested in.
And his personal attorney,
Michael Cohen, were interested in
to collect
negative stories
about Donald Trump,
put money
toward the people who had those stories,
whose those stories were theirs to tell
and silence them.
A very big thing
not just for Stormy
Daniels who is at the core of this
falsification of business records case,
but also for other witnesses
who are likely to be called to testify
against the former president.
Caitlin, how long will
the opening statements be?
Do we know?
In just a little bit
more on David Pecker,
because you said he reached
an immunity deal with federal prosecutors
what is it that he has admitted or
conceded to in the past?
Well, John, as far as opening statements,
there isn't a time limit on
how long
these attorneys will go,
but they're not going to bore the jury
to start out this day.
Typically, opening statements can take,
you know, an hour.
45 minutes, something like that.
I understand
from my sources that on the defense side,
it's not going to be very long at all.
But as far as David Pecker
being the first person
up on the witness stand
and what he's going to be speaking about,
he is particularly attuned to
what had happened
with another woman
who accused Donald Trump
of an alleged affair,
a woman named Karen McDougal,
who is expected to be testifying
at some point against Trump
during this trial.
Sort of
to paint that portrait
of all of the motivations of Trump
to allegedly falsify
these business records.
And so he would be a person
that can give a window
into the entire atmosphere of what
Donald Trump wanted to do
and what may have motivated him
in 2016
to want to pay off stormy Daniels.
Very very interesting.
Great explanations.
Great to have you down there
for this moment in history.
Caitlin, Paul Lance thank you very much.
Kate.
So before Trump's
legal team
begins laying out their legal strategy
inside court,
Donald Trump is doing his level
best to have his say outside
of the courtroom,
lashing out on social media
against the district attorney
the gag order.
The fact
that he even needs to be in court
and more all this weekend, part
of his continued effort
to manage the narrative
before having to sit silently
before the jury.
CNN's Alina Trina has much more on this.
She's joining us now.
What are you hearing about
Donald Trump's
thinking going into this week?
Because you look at social media
or how he talked outside of court
on Friday. He's he seems angry for sure.
He is angry, Kate.
And I can
say his public comments,
his raging about this being unfair,
his frustration
with the gag order placed on him,
all of that is also playing out
behind the scenes.
He very much
does not want to be a criminal defendant
in any trial.
But this one in particular,
I think is very personal
for Donald Trump.
And remember,
a lot of salacious details are expected
to come out of this.
You're going to be hearing from people
who have been very close
to him in the past,
people like Michael Cohen, his former
attorney and fixer,
as they referred to him.
That's part of the reason as well
that he's very angry about this gag order
because he's not able to attack
witnesses.
That's something that he is particularly
very frustrated about.
But a lot of this as well
could be embarrassing for Donald Trump.
And he does not want this
on display, particularly in the lead
up to his next presidential election
ahead of November.
And, you know, if you think back to what
this is really about,
it's about alleged payments
to a porn star
that he allegedly had an affair with
and then used hush money payments
to try and cover that up
during his first campaign ahead of 2016.
And again,
when it comes down to it, you strip
all the bluster,
what you think about Donald Trump.
This is not something
he wants to be sitting through.
Now, I also just want to point out
that as much as his advisers are saying
that they think this trial
could help him with fundraising,
this could boost his support
and donations.
They really don't know
particularly how
this is going to play out
because it is in a general election.
What we saw happen during the primary
when he was indicted
is not necessarily
going to be the same thing
that happens in adrenaline.
So I keep that in mind.
Now, I also just want to point
your attention to Kate, some of this.
This interview
we had with the South
Dakota governor, Kristi Noem, yesterday,
she was speaking with Dana Bash.
She had a very interesting two response
about how it could be playing with some
of his allies. Take a listen.
If Donald Trump is
convicted in this trial,
will you still support him in November?
If my choice is between Joe Biden
and Donald Trump
every single day of the week, yes,
I will support Donald Trump.
I have from the very beginning
Now, pretty stunning answer, Kate,
from Kristi Noem.
But I think that just underscores as well
how they're unsure of what could happen
if he is ultimately convicted in this.
How will this play out?
He knows,
though, that he has his best defenders
out there on the airwaves,
like Kristi Noem
rehashing talking points
that the campaign
has given them to support him.
And so I think you're going to continue
to see interviews like that
in the days to come.
That's for sure.
It's good to see you.
And we'll see what today brings for sure.
Donald Trump
vowing to take the stand,
insisting once again on Friday
he plans to testify.
Now, we have heard this
from the former president
before in his civil fraud trial
last year.
He was set to testify for a second time,
but he canceled just 24 hours notice.
Our panel is back.
Ellie, would you do it if you were Trump?
Would you testify?
I mean, can you even answer that question
at this stage? Right.
So that's a
that's a really good question,
because the real answer is
you cannot answer it.
You don't have to answer it
until the moment you take the stand.
You get one of the benefits
of being a defendant
is you get to see
the prosecution's entire case.
How your lawyer does,
trying to undermine it, see how you feel.
But the short answer is no.
Hell, no.
I would not take the stand.
I would not advise him to take the stand.
There's no reason
for him to take the stand.
It's incredibly risky.
Like I said
before, the prosecution bears the burden
of proving their case
beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anyone who takes
the stand is taking an enormous risk.
I know on TV,
everyone takes the stand
because it's dramatic.
It's quite rare in the real world here
if you're Donald Trump.
I mean, look, it would just be a disaster
if you get caught in a contradiction
or as a defendant
taking the stand, it's over.
If you get caught in a lie,
if the jury doesn't like you, it's over.
So I would beg, plead, urge him.
I don't think he is
going to take the stand.
I think he's positioning right now.
I just it's so tactically self-defeating.
I can't see it happening.
I mean, Frank, what is Trump doing there?
It almost seems to me like he feels like,
you know,
people think he was a coward
if he said no, basically.
Correct me if wrong,
he has to be there,
at least physically be there.
Yeah.
But he doesn't have to take the stand.
Right.
So he doesn't have to take the stand.
I mean,
I think this is the type of bluster.
I mean, you asked Donald Trump,
are you are
you mad enough to take the stand?
He's going to say, yes, I'm doing this.
And it's easy to bait him into that. Yes.
Whether he means it or not,
I mean, I don't know if he knows if
he means it in his own head.
Matt, what do you think?
Yeah.
No, I think to certain
I completely agree with you.
He's going to
of course, say yes
and then he's going to say, you know,
well, you know,
I can't do it for this or that.
I completely agree.
And I think he makes a good point
where the jury pool is
so tainted against him,
I'm taking the stand I could see he's
simply poisoning it.
But I think also it's important
to remember
his messaging
about taking the stand isn't
necessarily about the trial.
It is about the politics of it.
And I think he's speaking
to a very different audience
necessarily than the jurors.
I think Frank would appreciate
this is this is the same.
Yeah, I think this is the same bluff.
He's calling on debates,
to be honest with you.
It's like he's
you know,
he's kind of marching around
saying any time, anywhere.
Of course I'll do it.
I mean, you know,
but at the end of the day,
do I think he actually wants to debate
Joe Biden?
I actually don't think that he does.
And I think it will be really interesting
to see how that plays out.
But it's like the same
it's the same bravado
and it's the same kind
of political posturing.
But because I'd be surprised
if Biden is
I think Biden is the one
that actually doesn't want to debate.
But we can have
people that for another day,
we got enough news.
I would say, look,
he may not
I would say I actually think he should.
I think any time
he is standing next to Donald Trump,
I think it's a good comparison for him.
It certainly was in 20, 20.
But there's a lot a lot
a lot to that goes
into preparing for a debate.
So Fair enough.
I'll tell you right now
what Donald Trump's out will be if
and when he decides not to testify,
he'll go, well, we just saw their case.
It was a disaster.
They didn't have anything on me.
My attorneys
tore down
Michael Cohen in their joke
a whole case
and their joke of a batch of witnesses.
They got nothing.
I don't need to take the stand.
That's it.
That's what he'll say publicly.
Well, I think that doesn't make sense.
I think that makes a lot of sense.
And it's also
I think it helps that it's not televised.
Right.
So if it was televised
and that might be
a little different calculation
to speak to the voters
if he's trying to filter to the media.
I think that's a good point.
Yeah.
If this were televised
and who were on the stand.
That's interesting.
I mean, that would be yeah.
That would be a moment to stop it.
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