The judge presiding over the criminal case against former President Donald Trump in New York has rejected Trump’s efforts to exclude the controversial “Access Hollywood” tape and testimony from crucial witnesses from his upcoming trial. Trump’s defense argued that Michael Cohen, Trump’s ex-lawyer, should be barred from testifying due to his history of dishonesty, claiming it would amount to encouraging perjury. However, Judge Juan Merchan dismissed this argument, stating that there is no legal precedent supporting the exclusion of a witness based on credibility concerns.
Furthermore, Merchan will permit Stormy Daniels to testify, as she was the recipient of the $130,000 payment at the center of the case. Merchan emphasized the importance of the evidence provided by Daniels. Additionally, the judge declined to exclude the “Access Hollywood” tape, where Trump made controversial remarks about his interactions with women.
Trump’s criminal trial in New York has been postponed until at least mid-April.