# Manhattan Prosecutors file criminal charges for Trump re Stormy Daniels case - ongoing discussion here (Guilty on all 34 counts, May 30, 2024) **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [March 9, 2023, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953 "2023-03-09T22:53:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 131
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2601 "2024-04-30T13:53:10Z")
Nine grand is nothing to Trump. I would have liked the judge to say that sanctions will increase with future violations. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2602 "2024-04-30T14:06:49Z")
He has: “Defendant is hereby warned that the Court will not tolerate continued willful violations of its lawful orders and that if necessary and appropriate under the circumstances, it will impose an incarceratory punishment,” Merchan wrote in his ruling, ordering Trump to remove the offending posts from Truth Social and his campaign website. Cite: [Hush money judge rules Trump violated gag order, warns of jail time | The Hill](https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4614870-judge-trump-gag-order-violations/) ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2603 "2024-04-30T14:06:57Z")
And it looks like he did. “THEREFORE, Defendant is hereby warned that the Court will not tolerate continued willful violations of its lawful orders and that if necessary and appropriate under the circumstances, it will impose an incarceratory punishment,” he wrote. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2604 "2024-04-30T14:16:53Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > Nine grand is nothing to Trump. The public nature of the sanctions - and the subsequent “fuck around and find out” note from the judge - is more of a punishment for him than any amount of money. This is a good outcome. He’s got weeks and weeks of stewing ahead of him, and no outlet for it. Maybe that’s why he keeps tooting in the courtroom. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2605 "2024-04-30T14:24:11Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > They also seem to have mobilized a larger than normal group of pro Trump supporters outside the courtroom today. What are the odds they’re being paid to be there, like Trump’s fake union rally? ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2606 "2024-04-30T14:30:05Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > What are the odds they’re being paid to be there, like Trump’s fake union rally?   Like Eric? ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2607 "2024-04-30T14:31:45Z")
Eric would do it just to have Daddy acknowledge his presence. Not to actually thank him for coming or anything like that, but just admitting that Eric was actually in the room. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2608 "2024-04-30T14:35:16Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > Nine grand is nothing to Trump. I would have liked the judge to say that sanctions will increase with future violations. He’s limited by state law. NY caps each violation at $1000, so he’s pretty much already at the limit there. But it allows for up to 30 days of incarceration as well. And while 30 days per charge is incredibly unlikely, it seems he’s building toward at least a token period in jail. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2609 "2024-04-30T14:43:02Z")
> [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > But it allows for up to 30 days of incarceration as well. And while 30 days per charge is incredibly unlikely, it seems he’s building toward at least a token period in jail. While Trump is a complete idiot, I do think he’ll understand the order today and keep his mouth (and twuth) shut for at least a week or two. Shit just got real, and he must know it. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2610 "2024-04-30T14:54:10Z")
per cnn: While Judge Juan Merchan held Donald Trump in contempt for [violating his gag order](https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/30/politics/donald-trump-fined-usd9-000-for-violating-gag-order-in-hush-money-case), there is a narrow scope where the former president could still post about witnesses to defend himself if provoked, CNN legal analyst Karen Friedman Agnifilo said. Agnifilo noted that the judge talks about witnesses Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels and “he does acknowledge that Trump can respond if required. So he’s almost sending a message in here as well saying,‘Look if it turns out that other people are using this gag order as a way to attack you, you can attack back.’” She added, that Merchan is essentially saying that the gag order will not apply to witnesses who clearly are not afraid to provoke Trump. So Merchan really drilled down on what is allowed and what is not allowed, Agnifilo said. witness update: When asked by attorney Todd Blanche, Gary Farro says he wouldn’t consider Michael Cohen a politically exposed person when he was Trump’s personal attorney. Banks keep a closer eye on account activity for clients they designate as politically exposed persons, Farro says. Defense lawyer Todd Blanche is asking Gary Farro: “You never had any communications with him about Donald Trump himself did you?” “I did not,” Farro says. “You never have spoken with Donald Trump yourself?” Blanche asks. “I have not,” Farro testifies. redirect is done, brief break before next witness. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2611 "2024-04-30T15:04:01Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > While Trump is a complete idiot, I do think he’ll understand the order today and keep his mouth (and twuth) shut for at least a week or two. Shit just got real, and he must know it. Oh, if I were a betting man, but I’m not. But _if_! ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2612 "2024-04-30T15:07:37Z")
Trump thought that he found a loophole by re-posting something that other people wrote. That obviously didn’t work. The decision on the four additional violations will be on Thursday. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2613 "2024-04-30T15:09:41Z")
_Nearer and nearer draws the time,_ _The time that shall surely be_ ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2614 "2024-04-30T15:18:49Z")
per cnn: Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo says if Donald Trump testifies, they would like to use the gag order violations during cross-examination. Trump looked over at Colangelo briefly as the prosecutor spoke. the tea leaf readers said that the judge could be waiting until the trial is over and then go for incarceration penalty on the contempt charge should he be found guilty. things coming out during the jury break: Judge Juan Merchan asked prosecutor Matthew Colangelo to explain the aims for presenting evidence that show Donald Trump’s “attempt to dissuade witnesses” like Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels. Colangelo says the first reason is to “offset the defense claim that the witnesses are benefiting from their willingness to testify, showing their cooperation with law enforcement has harmed them more than it has helped them.” The second purposes is “to explain why both witnesses initially denied certain facts,” and have now acknowledged those facts, Colangelo says. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2615 "2024-04-30T15:20:16Z")
He already ruled on them. Do they mean for potential future ones? ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2616 "2024-04-30T15:21:24Z")
yes, for the ones on the thursday hearing and beyond. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2617 "2024-04-30T15:23:31Z")
The Thursday ones will probably be more fines. They came before today’s ruling and clarification. After that, it will be interesting. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2618 "2024-04-30T15:30:56Z")
the judge found 9 proven violations of the gag order and trump is to pay 9k. the judge tells blanche to keep the breaks short. the judge does not like to keep the jury waiting and to do better. (will trump want his lawyer to get aggressive about that??) ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2619 "2024-04-30T15:31:20Z")
Farro is done ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/2620 "2024-04-30T15:32:39Z")
per cnn: As Banker Gary Farro wrapped up his testimony, he revealed that at no point did he discuss Donald Trump with Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, nor did he ever speak directly to Trump. _Here’s what else we learned through the testimony:_ - **No political inclination** : Over his two days of testimony, Farro said there was no indication the Essential Consultants account would be related to a political candidate, or be used to pay someone in adult film industry — as further scrutiny would have been required in that case. - **Paperwork resembled real estate** : He testified the account paperwork was consistent with a real estate transaction, as that’s Cohen told him. - **Fast paced transaction** : Prosecutors showed jurors multiple paper trails to timestamp that this all happened quickly. Farro testified that the opening of the account and the transfer of the funds out of the account all occurred over 24 hours. It took five or six hours to open the Essential Consultants account on October 26, then Cohen got the HELOC transfer within 23 minutes of opening the account, three minutes before wire transfer the cut off time at 3pm that same day. The transfer to Stormy Daniel’s attorneys trust was made the next morning. - **Cohen claims** : Farro testifies that Cohen listed the purpose of the wire as a “retainer”. “There could be a number of things” explaining why an attorney would pay a retainer to another attorney in a real estate transaction, Farro says. - **Defense seeks to distance Trump from Cohen:** On cross examination, the defense sought to establish that at no time did Cohen say he was working on behalf of his employer, Trump — attempting to distance the president from the payments. The defense had Farro reaffirm that Cohen on the paperwork indicated he was not “acting as an agent” for anyone when he opened the account. - **Shell company claims** : Had he known Essential Consultants was a shell company and not an operating business, he would not have opened the account, Farro claimed. - **Cohen’s behavior** : Farro confirmed he was given Cohen as a client because he could be “firm.” Farro consistently testified that everything with Cohen was an “urgent matter." Despite Cohen being Trump’s personal attorney, Farro said he wasn’t considered a PEP or a politically exposed person. Banks keep a closer eye on account activity for clients they designate as PEPs, he said. next mystery witness… is Prosecutors are calling their fourth witness, Dr. Robert Browning, the executive director of C-SPAN archives. His testimony will be a vehicle to get records into evidence. Prosector Rebecca Mangold is handling the questions. also: Judge Juan Merchan ruled court will not be in session the Friday before Memorial Day, May 24, because a juror has to catch a flight. Neither side objected. i hope this wraps before then. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953.md?page=130) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953.md?page=132)