1. Explicit Details of Alleged Encounter
Stormy Daniels provided a detailed account of her alleged sexual encounter with Donald Trump in 2006. She described the interior of Trump’s hotel room, their dinner conversation, and how she “spanked” him with a magazine. Daniels testified that she found Trump on the bed in his underwear and that they had sex. The judge intervened several times to limit the explicit nature of her testimony.
2. Hush Money Payment Linked to “Access Hollywood” Tape
Daniels explained that her publicist tried to sell her story in 2015 but found little interest until the “Access Hollywood” tape controversy in October 2016. This led to discussions with AMI and Michael Cohen, who paid Daniels $130,000 to remain silent. Daniels confirmed signing a nondisclosure agreement using pseudonyms for herself and Trump.
3. Judge Denies Trump’s Mistrial Motion
Trump’s lawyers argued for a mistrial, claiming that Daniels’ testimony was unfairly prejudicial and irrelevant to the falsification of business records charges. The prosecution maintained that the testimony was probative of Trump’s intent and motive. Judge Merchan denied the mistrial motion but acknowledged that some details could have been omitted.
4. Defense Challenges Daniels’ Credibility
During cross-examination, Trump’s attorney, Susan Necheles, accused Daniels of lying for profit and hating the former president. Daniels admitted to wanting Trump held accountable and disputed assertions that she had fabricated details or attempted to extort money from him. Necheles questioned Daniels about disobeying a court order and profiting from her story.
5. Testimony to Continue
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand when the trial resumes, with Necheles set to continue her cross-examination. The defense is expected to further challenge Daniels’ credibility and motives in the ongoing hush money trial.
