Day 1 of Trump’s Criminal Trial: Five Takeaways

[BidenPresident]

Justice Merchan is no-nonsense. That hasn’t favored the defense.

Justice Merchan, a veteran New York jurist, has been consistent about batting back defense motions on issues including the tardy disclosure of documents by prosecutors and efforts to delay or even dismiss the case.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/15/...ays.html?login=smartlock&auth=login-smartlock

 

[BidenPresident]

The trial is about much more than business records.

Justice Merchan’s decisions on Monday made it clear that the trial will resurface unsavory events in the former president’s life.

Those include the Access Hollywood tape and other stories that Mr. Trump sought to suppress including an alleged affair with Ms. McDougal. Justice Merchan said on Monday that both could be discussed.

 

[BidenPresident]

Trump says he’s happy. His demeanor suggests otherwise.

Entering the courtroom, Mr. Trump said he was “very proud to be here.”

Once he was in front of Mr. Merchan, Mr. Trump looked a lot less enthusiastic. He slouched. He scowled. He scoffed. And he was quiet, not the norm for a man who built a political career with his gift for slashing attacks and vicious put-downs.