Trump Rape Trial Enters Day 5 with Key Witness Testimony

The civil rape trial of former President Donald Trump in New York City has entered its fifth day, with crucial witness testimony expected from writer E. Jean Carroll and two other women accusing Trump of sexual assault. The trial is focused on Trump's alleged use of his former fixer Michael Cohen to pay $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to silence her about an affair with Trump prior to the 2016 election.

Judge Juan Merchan has made several rulings on what can and cannot be brought up in the trial. He will allow prosecutors to question Trump about the verdict in the New York civil fraud case, his violations of a gag order during that trial, the two E. Jean Carroll defamation verdicts, and the settlement that led to the dissolution of the Donald J. Trump Foundation. However, the judge will not allow questions about the ruling in Florida that sanctioned Trump for filing a baseless lawsuit against Hillary Clinton, or the 2022 Trump Organization tax fraud conviction.

The prosecution has called on former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker as its first witness, alleging that Trump tried to conceal an "illegal scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election" by covering up extramarital affairs through payments to attorney Michael Cohen. The prosecution has also read a transcript of Trump being caught on a hot microphone talking about assaulting women.

Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, has insisted that the payments made to Cohen were not illegal, and that Trump is "innocent" and "defending himself." The 12-member jury consists of seven men and five women, and the charges Trump faces in New York are considered a Class E felony, the least severe among felony counts in New York.

Why this matters: The outcome of this high-profile trial could have significant political and legal implications for Trump as he mounts his 2024 presidential campaign. The testimony of key witnesses and the judge's rulings on admissible evidence will be carefully observed.

As the trial continues, prosecutors are expected to further question Pecker and potentially call other witnesses, including Cohen and the women accusing Trump of sexual assault. Trump's defense team has stated they believe they have a winning case and plan to focus on the facts while cutting through the "sensationalism" surrounding the trial.

Key Takeaways

• Trump's civil rape trial in NYC enters 5th day, with key witness testimony expected.
• Judge allows prosecutors to question Trump about past misconduct, but not all rulings.
• Prosecution alleges Trump tried to conceal affairs through hush money payments.
• Trump's attorney claims payments were not illegal, and Trump is "innocent".
• Trial outcome could have significant political and legal implications for Trump's 2024 bid.