Robert Costello, a witness for the defense in Donald Trump’s hush money trial, is scheduled to take the stand again on Tuesday. Trump’s legal team hopes that Costello’s testimony will challenge the credibility of Michael Cohen, a pivotal witness for the prosecution.
During Monday’s proceedings, Judge Juan Merchan rebuked Costello for his behavior, which included making muttered comments and rolling his eyes. The judge warned Costello about his disrespectful demeanor and threatened to remove him from the stand if he continued.
The prosecution recently concluded its case against Trump, alleging that he falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. This payment was intended to silence her claims of a sexual encounter with Trump prior to the 2016 election. Trump denies the affair and dismisses the trial as a political ploy to derail his 2024 presidential aspirations.
Defense attorneys have petitioned the judge to dismiss the charges, arguing that the prosecution failed to substantiate their case. They assert that Trump’s actions were motivated by a desire to shield his family from false accusations, rather than to benefit his campaign. Defense attorney Todd Blanche contends that seeking assistance from a tabloid to manage stories does not constitute criminal behavior.
Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo maintains that the evidence presented supports the charges and urges the case to proceed to the jury. The judge has yet to rule on the defense’s request.
Costello’s testimony holds significant weight for the defense. Having previously collaborated with Cohen, Costello has openly criticized Cohen’s credibility. He testified that Cohen asserted Trump’s ignorance of the hush money payment, contradicting Cohen’s own testimony wherein he claimed Trump approved the payment.
Trump’s attorney, Emil Bove, has indicated that the defense does not plan to summon additional witnesses, although campaign-finance expert Bradley A. Smith may be called for brief testimony. Whether Trump himself will testify remains uncertain, though it appears improbable.
The trial is anticipated to conclude shortly, with closing arguments scheduled for the Tuesday following Memorial Day.