Trump lawyers reiterating request to further delay trial
Trump's attorneys asked for immediate adjournment for more than 30 days, a hearing on discovery and a delay to the trial date. They noted that a later date in April would conflict with Passover.
The judge hasn't set an exact date for the trial yet, but it's expected to begin in April.
Trump stares down judge as he outlines details of the case so far
Trump is eyeing Merchan intently as the judge goes over the details of the case.
The former president said a few words to his lawyer but is otherwise fixed on the judge who is citing parts of the defense brief and prosecutors’ submissions
Judge Merchan starts hearing 'by going over the events that bring us here today'
After the prosecution and the defense announced their appearances, Merchan began today's hearing with a refresher on developments that have happened so far in the case.
“It’s a good idea for us to get started by going over the events that bring us here today and why we’re here today," Merchan said.
The hearing has begun
The court has been called to order and the hearing has begun.
Trump sits for photos as 3 secret services agents stand guard
Photographers are coming in to snap photos of Trump before Judge Merchan on the bench.
In an unusual arrangement, three secret service agents are standing together at the entrance of the well.
Trump gripes that hush money case is a 'witch hunt'
Shortly before walking into the courtroom, Trump briefly issued remarks decrying the hush money case against him as a "witch hunt" and a "hoax."
Trump then walked into the courtroom, flanked by his attorneys.
Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg arrives in the courtroom
Bragg has arrived with his spokeswoman and other aides and is sitting on the aisle in the second row.
We have not seen any interaction between opposing sides as we have in the past, (maybe a result of the kerfuffle over the discovery). Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass is sitting in the first seat staring straight ahead.
Trump protesters outside the couthouse: 'The Emperor has no dough'
Just before Trump’s arrival at the Manhattan courthouse, about a dozen protestors took to the streets. Some of their signs read, “The Emperor has no dough,” “Not above the law,” and “Only wins when he cheats.”
Though the protestors initially started by marching down the main street in front of the courthouse, they were ushered over to the public park area outside of the courthouse.
Who is Judge Juan Merchan?
Donald Trump has dismissed him as a hater, but Judge Juan Merchan is a veteran jurist with a reputation for being stern yet compassionate.
“He’s a serious jurist, smart and even tempered,” said Ron Kuby, a longtime defense lawyer in Manhattan. “He’s not one of those judges who yells at lawyers, and is characterized as a no-nonsense judge. But he’s always in control of the courtroom.”
Barry Kamins, a New York judge turned defense lawyer, said his 60-year-old former colleague “is well-known, even in difficult cases, to exhibit excellent temperament, integrity and a solid knowledge of the law.”
Trump has taken a different view of Merchan.
Trump's team joined by a former Mitch McConnell staffer
Trump's main lawyers appear to be accompanied by a handful of other lawyers, including Kendra Wharton, a former staffer for Mitch McConnell who is now a defense lawyer.