Drawing Trump Trial

Day Five

A small group of anti-Trump protesters was reported to be outside the courthouse building, and according to the NY Times, there were chanting “No one is above the law.” There was also a small group of Trump supporters; Trump apparently complained they were kept far from the building.

Trump spoke again outside the courtroom to say what he always says…..”Not fair, not fair, not fair….”

In a ruling at the beginning of the morning, Judge Merchan states he will allow a transcript of the Billy Bush Access Hollywood tape, but not the actual tape, and he will allow explanation of Trump’s guilt in the E Jean Carroll trial. These rulings make it harder for Trump to testify, which he wants to do. He shook his head when the Judge read his decisions.

The jury will be watching Trump’s behavior during the trial, but particularly during prosecution opening statement. Likeability is key, according to experts on CNN.

Both the prosecution and the defense put forward their opening statements. I offer very short summary here, and two drawings of the attorneys from photographs. In a nutshell, the lead lawyer for the prosecution, Michael Colangelo…