# 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:** 143
**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:** [May 3, 2024, 7:01pm 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-30-2024/980953/2841 "2024-05-03T19:01:19Z")
From cnn > Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo asks Hope Hicks whether the idea that Michael Cohen made the $130,000 payment on his own was consistent with her interactions with him. > “I’d say that would be out of character for Michael,” Hicks says. Cross examination of Hicks just started ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 7:31pm 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-30-2024/980953/2842 "2024-05-03T19:31:38Z")
We’ve now officially lost Hope. ETA: done for the week. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 7:34pm 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-30-2024/980953/2843 "2024-05-03T19:34:25Z")
And the judge just ended the day (and the week) in court. CNN notes that no witness so far has had anything good to say about Michael Cohen. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 7:35pm 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-30-2024/980953/2844 "2024-05-03T19:35:45Z")
> [@robby](#): > > I thought the judge ruled earlier that the _Access Hollywood_ tape would be too prejudicial to play in front of the jury, but that a transcript would be ok. What is the relevance of the tape to this particular trial? I mean, in the rape/ libel trial it showed he had an admitted history of sexual assault. It was directly relevant to the plaintiff’s claim. But he isn’t accused of sexually assaulting Stormy Daniels, is he? ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 7:38pm 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-30-2024/980953/2845 "2024-05-03T19:38:57Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > What is the relevance of the tape to this particular trial? It’s not the crime, it’s the coverup. Well, not literally the case here, but the same idea. The relevance in this trial is how Trump handled the embarrassing facts. He was focused on the political impact, not his wife’s reaction. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 7:45pm 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-30-2024/980953/2846 "2024-05-03T19:45:25Z")
I doubt I can get enough in under Fair Use, but here’s a quick read about Hope Hicks’s testimony: > **[Hope Hicks testifies at Trump trial about fallout from "hush money" payments](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-trial-new-york-witness-testimony-week-3/)** > > Hope Hicks, who was one of former President Donald Trump's closest aides for years, has been called to the stand to testify at Trump's criminal trial in New York​. I’m focused on: > “He wanted to know how it was playing, and just my thoughts and opinion about this story versus having a different kind of story before the election had Mr. Cohen not made that payment,” she remembered. “I think Mr. Trump’s opinion was it was better to be dealing with it now, and it would have been bad to have that story come out before the election.” Just her opinion, but she has no clear axe to grind and probably knew him as well as anybody on his team. Probably a good way to go into a weekend. ---
**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:** [May 3, 2024, 7:54pm 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-30-2024/980953/2847 "2024-05-03T19:54:42Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > We’ve now officially lost Hope. > > ETA: done for the week. And Hicks has been excused. We get a new witness on Monday. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 7:58pm 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-30-2024/980953/2848 "2024-05-03T19:58:55Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > . I wonder if he was even capable of understanding it. Started/going; > > > He’s gonna have to think of a new lie fast. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 8:04pm 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-30-2024/980953/2849 "2024-05-03T20:04:01Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Reporter: Is the gag order stopping you from testifying? > > Trump: No. It won’t stop me from testifying. The gag order is not for testifying. It stops me from talking about people and responding when they say things about me… Holy crap, he actually spoke the truth. I think the judge might have scared him a bit. ---
**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:** [May 3, 2024, 8:06pm 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-30-2024/980953/2850 "2024-05-03T20:06:41Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Holy crap, he actually spoke the truth. I’m astonished. I figured he’d keep pushing that particular lie. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 8:11pm 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-30-2024/980953/2851 "2024-05-03T20:11:38Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > He’s gonna have to think of a new lie fast. No problem, that’s one of his superpowers! I believe that guy to the right of him in those last two screenshots is Todd Blanche. If and when Blanche gets disbarred – which seems to happen to so many of Trump’s fine lawyers – he could have a promising career in the movies playing a mob hitman. He definitely looks the part. > [@Atamasama](#): > > Holy crap, he actually spoke the truth. I think the judge might have scared him a bit. First time in the orange fuckstick’s life that he’s been in that position, and, since I care for his health, I hope it doesn’t do bad things to his blood pressure! ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 8:12pm 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-30-2024/980953/2852 "2024-05-03T20:12:29Z")
I wonder if he’ll trot out something like, _“Hope Hick. Barely knew her. Don’t recall. She’s very disloyal and frankly, not very good. So Unfair!”_ ---
**Author:** ![DWMarch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwmarch/32/1010_2.png) [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 8:13pm 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-30-2024/980953/2853 "2024-05-03T20:13:54Z")
I saw something on TV today suggesting that Trump wants to testify but his lawyers were trying to argue that he shouldn’t be cross examined. Sure, let’s make up more rules just for Trump. Go up on the stand and blather but don’t worry about being asked any questions other than supportive ones from your own side! I hope the judge told them where they can stuff that idea. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 8:15pm 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-30-2024/980953/2854 "2024-05-03T20:15:22Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > He’s gonna have to think of a new lie fast. He could try stuffing his tie in his mouth during such situations. 😃 ---
**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:** [May 3, 2024, 8:17pm 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-30-2024/980953/2855 "2024-05-03T20:17:19Z")
> [@DWMarch](#): > > his lawyers were trying to argue that he shouldn’t be cross examine There is exactly a zero chance he could testify and be protected from cross examination. Our whole adversarial system is based on giving every party the ability to test the other side’s evidence. ---
**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:** [May 3, 2024, 8:18pm 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-30-2024/980953/2856 "2024-05-03T20:18:45Z")
> [@DWMarch](#): > > I saw something on TV today suggesting that Trump wants to testify but his lawyers were trying to argue that he shouldn’t be cross examined. Sure, let’s make up more rules just for Trump. Go up on the stand and blather but don’t worry about being asked any questions other than supportive ones from your own side! I hope the judge told them where they can stuff that idea. That didn’t happen and there have been a few discussions about what can and can’t be asked during a cross examination should it occur. Just today it was ruled that he couldn’t be asked about the gag order. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 8:26pm 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-30-2024/980953/2857 "2024-05-03T20:26:49Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Holy crap, he actually spoke the truth. It didn’t last. > ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 8:27pm 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-30-2024/980953/2858 "2024-05-03T20:27:32Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > There is exactly a zero chance he could testify and be protected from cross examination. National security. What if a prosecutor asks him where we keep the UFOs? ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 8:29pm 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-30-2024/980953/2859 "2024-05-03T20:29:08Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > What if a prosecutor asks him where we keep the UFOs? He’d almost certainly make something up for fear of looking ignorant for not knowing where we keep them. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 8:32pm 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-30-2024/980953/2860 "2024-05-03T20:32:57Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > National security. What if a prosecutor asks him where we keep the UFOs? That does come up in trials, and you dont have to answer- except maybe in camera with just the judge and a US attorney making sure you give careful answers. [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=142) [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=144)