Day three of former President Donald Trump’s “hush-money” trial commenced on Thursday as Trump’s legal team attempted to serve a subpoena to key witness Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. The case focuses on allegations that Trump made a $130,000 payment to former lawyer Michael Cohen, who then paid Daniels to remain silent about an alleged affair with Trump. Trump denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to the charges of falsifying business records to cover up the payment.
According to court papers, a process server approached Daniels with a subpoena relating to a documentary about her life and allegations involving her relationship with Trump. Daniels reportedly refused to accept the subpoena, causing a dispute between Trump’s legal team and Daniels’ attorney, who has described the requests as an “unwarranted fishing expedition” unrelated to Trump’s criminal trial.
Trump’s lawyers are seeking various documents related to the promotion and editing of Daniels’ documentary, “Stormy,” which premiered on NBC’s Peacock streaming service shortly before the trial was originally scheduled to begin. They argue that the film’s release may have created negative publicity about Trump, complicating his ability to receive a fair trial.
The trial, expected to last approximately eight weeks, includes jury selection, which has already resulted in the selection of seven jurors, with dozens dismissed. Additionally, Trump is required to attend court every day the trial is in session, as ordered by Judge Juan Merchan. Merchan denied Trump’s request to attend a Supreme Court hearing on another matter and has yet to rule on whether Trump may attend his son Barron’s high school graduation.
