{Breaking} Stormy Daniels Withstands Vigorous Cross-Examination in Trump's Hush Money Trial
Her crucial testimony, including the cross-examination has concluded.
Stormy Daniels' Testimony Concludes in Heated Hush Money Trial
Stormy Daniels' testimony, including a contentious cross-examination, has concluded in the high-profile hush money trial involving former President Donald Trump in New York. Daniels faced intense questioning from Trump's lawyer, Susan Necheles, who aimed to discredit her by highlighting inconsistencies in her accounts. Despite the rigorous examination, Daniels maintained her stance and denied fabricating her story, standing firm in her accusations and assertions.
Trump Lawyer Challenges Daniels on Her Story
During intense cross-examination in New York, Susan Necheles, attorney for Donald Trump, pressed Stormy Daniels on discrepancies between her testimony and past interviews. Necheles suggested that Daniels’ accounts of the alleged affair changed over the years, calling into question her credibility. Despite the grilling, Daniels stood firm, asserting that she hasn't altered her story: "No, not at all. You're trying to make me say it's changed, but it hasn't changed."
Daniels Denies Making Up Her Story
Necheles cited a 2011 interview where Daniels referred to having "dinner" with Trump, which seemed to contradict her testimony that they never ate together. Daniels firmly clarified that no meal was served in Trump's hotel room, retorting, "Never got any food, never ate." She added that the 2011 article was "short and frivolous" and not a reliable source for understanding her account.
‘Make America Horny Again’ Tour Promotion
Necheles highlighted social media posts promoting Daniels' 2018 tour, "Make America Horny Again," to cast doubt on her earlier claim that she had never endorsed the slogan. Daniels acknowledged the posts but reiterated that she never supported the tagline and "hated it," noting it was used by promoters without her endorsement. The defence argued that Daniels capitalised on her affiliation with Trump to sell her brand. However, Daniels insisted she only performed in clubs that paid admission, rejecting the idea that she was intentionally monetising her Trump connection.
Necheles Tries to Discredit Daniels' Intentions
Necheles attempted to paint Daniels as an opportunist intent on jailing Trump and benefiting financially from her claims. She played a secretly recorded call between Michael Cohen and Keith Davidson, Daniels’ former lawyer, suggesting it showed Daniels was "out for money." However, Daniels firmly denied ever threatening Davidson for payment, pointing out that the recording sounded more like a threat by Davidson to Cohen.
Necheles also highlighted a statement signed by Daniels denying the affair, but Daniels clarified that she didn't write it herself and was pressured to sign it to ensure her safety in the lead-up to the 2016 election. When accused of trying to get Trump jailed, Daniels challenged, "Show me where I said I have been instrumental in putting Trump in jail."
Cross-Examination Heats Up over Merchandise and Candles
Further scrutiny arose when Necheles showed the jury a "Stormy Saint of Indictments" candle sold online, asserting that Daniels sought to profit from Trump's indictment. Daniels, however, dismissed the claim with sarcasm: "I got President Trump indicted?" She explained that she made only $7 per candle and viewed the merchandise as humorous rather than exploitative.
Defensive and Sarcastic Responses
Daniels maintained her composure despite the aggressive questioning, frequently responding with sarcasm and defiant body language. She refuted Necheles's accusations that she fabricated the story for profit, stating that if it were untrue, she would have made it "a lot better." The trial remains fraught with tension as Daniels tries to defend her credibility against the defense's relentless attempts to discredit her account.
Daniels' Testimony: Key but Not Decisive in Securing Conviction
While Stormy Daniels' testimony is undeniably crucial in the hush money trial against Donald Trump, it alone won't be enough to guarantee a conviction or a "guilty" verdict. Despite this, live coverage of the proceedings through reporters' tweets from inside the courtroom reached an unprecedented level, captivating the public in real-time. With the trial not being televised, this social media reporting has kept the audience engaged as the case unfolds. The proceedings will continue for a couple more weeks before the trial concludes.
