Donald Trump’s hush money trial stumbled out of the gate on Monday morning, with his legal team initiating proceedings on decidedly shaky ground when Judge Juan Merchan found himself compelled to interject as one of Trump’s attorneys, Emil Bove, launched into absurd objections.
As reported by courtroom insider Tyler McBrien, managing editor of Lawfare, Bove hastily rose to challenge Merchan’s intention to adhere to previous rulings regarding the prosecution’s case against Trump. McBrien noted that Merchan intervened, urging Bove to “calm down” amidst the legal back-and-forth.
Adding vivid detail to the courtroom dynamics, New Yorker courtroom artist Liza Donnelly captured the moment with a sketch, remarking, “Today’s trial hasn’t even begun yet. Defense lawyers are arguing legal terms I don’t fully understand. The Judge is frustrated and says “Just relax”.
Further elaborating on the exchange, Matthew Russell Lee of Inner City Press provided context, quoting Merchan’s exasperated response to Bove’s objections: “You could have come to me for an earlier ruling – just relax – I’ll let you know at the pre-charge conference. Trump’s lawyer Bove: Since February, now FECA is buried under the NYS Election Law… Justice Merchan: Make me an offer of proof.”
Today’s trial hasn’t even begun yet. Defense lawyers are arguing legal terms I don’t fully understand. The Judge is frustrated and says “Just relax”. #trumptrial #nyc pic.twitter.com/ruwmEJv91a
— Liza Donnelly (@lizadonnelly) May 20, 2024
