What to know about Trump's criminal cases
- Former President Donald Trump's legal woes overlapped in hearings today — with courtrooms in both New York and Georgia considering cases.
- Trump attended the hearing to set a timetable for the trial in his New York criminal case centered on hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. Trump has pleaded not guilty. Judge Juan Merchan affirmed the trial will begin March 25.
- In a separate hearing, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis took the stand and denied allegations that Trump and one of his co-defendants made against her and the special counsel in the Georgia election interference case.
- The co-defendant, former Trump White House and campaign aide Michael Roman, is represented by attorney Ashleigh Merchant. Willis has acknowledged that she and the prosecutor, Nathan Wade, have a personal relationship but has insisted no impropriety occurred.
- The Georgia hearing, which will resume tomorrow, could have major implications for Trump after the judge overseeing the case said Monday that it's "possible" Willis could be disqualified from overseeing the case.
Georgia hearing: Court proceedings have ended for the day
After some administrative and housekeeping matters, the hearing ended shortly before 5:30 p.m. ET.
Tomorrow morning will likely include the remainder of Willis’ testimony in addition to Cross’ three or four witnesses.
After breaking for lunch, the hearing will focus on the Delta records regarding travel involving Willis and Wade, which Cross has filed a motion to quash.
Georgia hearing: Witnesses for tomorrow
Merchant said she has two more witnesses. Cross, who has three or four witnesses, including Willis' father, said she expects witness testimony to last roughly four or five hours tomorrow.
Georgia hearing: Willis testimony ends for the day
Questioning of Willis for the day ended shortly after 5 p.m.
She will be back on the stand tomorrow. The hearing is scheduled to resume at 9 a.m.
Georgia hearing: Willis said she never received gifts from Wade
When asked by Harry MacDougald, who represents Trump co-defendant Jeffrey Clark, about the requirement that she disclose gifts over $100, Willis said she never received gifts from Wade other than him paying for dinner.
Georgia hearing: Willis details disagreements with Wade about money
After a line of questioning about whether Wade and Willis' relationship ended before Willis indicted Trump in the summer of 2023, Willis told Sadow that she and Wade frequently argued over splitting costs.
Earlier on the stand, Willis made clear that she and Wade generally split the costs of trips and food.
"A man is not a plan, a man is a companion," Willis told Sadow, adding, "I don't need anyone to foot my bills. The only man who has ever footed my bills completely is my daddy."
Earlier in the day, when Wade was on the stand, he alluded to the fact that Willis valued her independence, which is what led to her reimbursing him when he paid for travel.
Georgia hearing: Romantic relationship between Wade and Willis began in early 2022
Willis says that her romantic relationship with Wade began sometime in between February and April 2022, months after she appointed him in November 2021.
Georgia hearing: Willis says time in condo was a 'lonely period' when pushed on visitors
When asked about people staying or living at the condo, Willis said that very few people visited her, saying it "was a very lonely period of my life."
Opposing lawyers have pushed Willis on whether Wade visited her at the condo or lived with her. Willis said she had few visitors at that condo.
"This is a very isolating job," Willis said. "I turned 50 in 2021 and that was probably one of the worst birthdays I've had."
Georgia hearing: Willis tells Trump attorney 'you don't have to yell'
In response to repeated questions from Steve Sadow, Trump's attorney, about whether or not Willis' children lived in her home while she lived in a separate condo, Willis tells him, "You don’t have to yell at me. I’m able to understand.”
Georgia hearing: Willis and attorney for Trump poke fun at Merchant questioning
Steve Sadow, a lawyer for Trump, opened his questioning of Willis by saying that he was going to ask her questions "she could actually respond to."
Willis replied jokingly that her "comprehension skills are pretty good, so we'll see." They were seemingly poking fun at Merchant and Willis' combative exchanges.
Georgia hearing: Judge urges parties to behave
After the break, Judge McAfee told the court that many lawyers were present and that they had been taught to display values of professionalism and integrity.
During Willis' testimony, he gave her a warning and told her to answer questions directly.
“I have to caution that we have to listen to the questions and if this happens again and again, I’m gonna have no choice but to strike your testimony,” McAfee said.