The latest now on Donald Trump's criminal trial in Manhattan,
Stormy Daniels, former attorney took the stand,
was grilled by the defense as jurors heard audio taste
of Trump discussing the deal.
Erica Turski is at the courthouse.
Good morning, Aaron.
And George, good morning to you.
Trial is going to pick up here this morning with
evidence pulled from Michael Cohens phone,
including a secretly recorded call with Keith Davidson about the
$130,000 hush payment to his client,
Stormy Daniels. That's at the center of the case 12
days before the 2016 presidential election.
Keith Davidson sent a two word text about a $130,000
wire transfer he accepted on behalf of his client,
adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
The message said funds received.
It was some of the jury's first direct evidence of
the hush payment that prosecutors said Donald Trump tried to
conceal from voters by falsifying business records.
After Trump won the election,
Davidson texted. What have we done?
What did you mean when you say what have we
done?
The prosecutor asked Davidson, who responded that our activities may
have in some way assisted the presidential campaign of Donald
Trump.
Months later, Davidson was on the phone with Michael Cohen,
who said Trump often complained about paying Daniels and I
I can't even tell you how many times,
he said to me, you know,
I hate the fact that we did it.
And my comment to him was,
but every person that you've spoken to told you it
was the right move.
I attributed that to be a quote from Mr.
Trump. Davidson testified about what the prosecutor asked the Stormy
Daniels settlement on cross examination.
The defense suggested Trump was the victim of a shakedown
by a lawyer steeped in tabloid tactics over celebrity stories
involving Hulk Hogan,
former MTV reality star Tila Tequila and Charlie Sheen.
The defense asking in 2016.
You were pretty well versed in getting right up to
the line without committing extortion,
right? I had familiarized myself with the law,
Davidson responded.
Trump is still awaiting A ruling from the judge whether
to hold him in contempt for a second time over
gag order violations.
Janae, the judge, seemed particularly concerned about remarks Trump made
about the jury,
suggesting it's unfair. Janae, a lot to continue watching there.
Aaron, thank you.