Trump's Stormy Day in Court: Judge Upholds Gag Order, Denies Mistrial

Former President Donald Trump faced a string of setbacks in his criminal trial on Thursday, as Judge Juan Merchan denied motions for a mistrial and defense attorneys' request to modify the gag order.

Former President Donald Trump encountered a series of setbacks in his criminal trial on Thursday, as Judge Juan Merchan denied both motions for a mistrial and defense attorneys' requests to modify the gag order. The proceedings centered on the testimony of adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who wrapped up her appearance on the stand earlier in the day.

Trump's defense team, led by attorney Susan Necheles, argued that Daniels' time on the stand was highly prejudicial and had no bearing on the charges against Trump. The charges stem from allegations that Trump falsified business records related to a $130,000 payment made to Daniels in 2016 to sign a non-disclosure agreement and not share her story of having sex with Trump.

Necheles attempted to highlight inconsistencies in Daniels' story over the years, suggesting that her testimony was unreliable. However, Judge Merchan disagreed, acknowledging that Daniels was a challenging witness but maintaining that her testimony could still be relevant to the case.

Trump's attorneys argued that with Daniels' testimony concluded, he should be permitted to defend himself publicly. Merchan again rebuffed this request, emphasizing that the gag order would remain in place.

In a separate development, the judge also denied Trump's motion for a mistrial. The motion was based on allegations that prosecutors had failed to turn over certain evidence to the defense. Merchan ruled that the evidence in question was not material to the case and that there was no evidence of prosecutorial misconduct.

"We are so innocent," Trump declared to reporters after the hearing was adjourned. He continued to denounce Judge Merchan as "totally conflicted" and "corrupt."

The trial is expected to continue on Friday, with defense witnesses scheduled to testify.