Trump trial live updates: Michael Cohen testimony wraps for the day

Trump's former attorney returns to the stand on Day 18 of the hush money trial.

Last updated: Thursday, May 16, 2024 10:05PM GMT
Trump trial updates: Cross-examination of Cohen continues
Lauren Glassberg has the latest on the trial from Lower Manhattan.

NEW YORK -- Former President Donald Trump is on trial in New York City, where he is facing felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. It marks the first time in history that a former U.S. president has been tried on criminal charges.

Trump last April pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.

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May 16, 2024, 2:03 PM GMT

Cohen returns to the witness stand

"Let's get the witness please," Merchan said, and Michael Cohen entered the courtroom then took his seat at the witness stand.

Cohen carried a water bottle in his hand as he entered and did not look toward Trump when he passed defense counsel table.

Trump turned away from Cohen to his left and whispered to his attorney Emil Bove as Cohen passed.

As Cohen took his place in the witness box, Judge Merchan reminded him that he is still under oath.

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May 16, 2024, 2:00 PM GMT

Proceedings are underway

"Good morning, Mr. Trump," Judge Juan Merchan said in his usual fashion after taking the bench.

The proceedings immediately began with a private sidebar between the parties and Merchan.

Former President Donald Trump appears at Manhattan criminal court before his trial in New York, Thursday, May 16, 2024.
Former President Donald Trump appears at Manhattan criminal court before his trial in New York, Thursday, May 16, 2024.
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May 16, 2024, 2:00 PM GMT

Trump enters courtroom with several lawmakers

Donald Trump has entered the courtroom accompanied, like yesterday, by an entourage that includes several members of Congress.

Reps. Lauren Boebert and Matt Gaetz are among those seated in the front row of the gallery.

The group is so large that a few members are sitting at the back of the courtroom because the first two rows of the gallery do not have enough space.

May 16, 2024, 1:08 PM GMT

Cohen arrives at courthouse

Michael Cohen has arrived at the lower Manhattan courthouse for his testimony this morning.

Michael Cohen departs his apartment building on his way to Manhattan criminal court, Thursday, May 16, 2024, in New York.
Michael Cohen departs his apartment building on his way to Manhattan criminal court, Thursday, May 16, 2024, in New York.

Proceedings are scheduled to get underway at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Testimony is scheduled to conclude at 4 p.m., after which Judge Juan Merchan is scheduled to hear arguments from the parties about the bounds of potential testimony from a defense expert witness.