Trump backtracks on false claim about gag order in hush money trial

Former President Donald Trump has backtracked on his false claim about a gag order preventing him from testifying in his hush money trial. Judge Juan Merchan clarified that the gag order only restricts extrajudicial statements and does not prevent Trump from testifying in court.

The trial at Manhattan Criminal Court continues with witness testimony, including a forensic analyst from the Manhattan district attorney’s office who extracted files from former Trump attorney Michael Cohen’s phones. The bombshell audio of a conversation between Cohen and Trump regarding a payment to ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal was played in court.

Trump’s attorneys argued that their client was responding to political attacks from Cohen and President Joe Biden. The trial also saw testimony from Keith Davidson, the former lawyer for Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal.

The trial is closely followed by The Independent’s Alex Woodward, providing updates on the proceedings. Stay tuned for more developments in this high-profile case.