Trump trial live: Prosecutors need two more weeks to make case as judge threatens jail over gag order breaches

Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial has resumed at Manhattan Criminal Court with Judge Juan Merchan finding the former president in contempt of court for a tenth time, fining him another $1,000 and warning the next violation of his gag order will result in jail time.

Last week’s session ended with emotional testimony from the former president’s one-time White House communication director Hope Hicks, who recounted her experiences serving his presidential campaign in October 2016 when the notorious Access Hollywood tape emerged and said Mr Trump “knew” Michael Cohen had paid off adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

On Monday the jury heard in great detail about how payments were made and records were kept at the Trump Organization as Mr Trump moved to the White House and Cohen had to be repaid for his services — the alleged falsified business records on which the criminal charges were made.

As the day drew to a close the prosecution told Judge Merchan that they expect to be able to wrap up their case in about two weeks — an extensive list of witnesses remains to be called.

The Independent’s Alex Woodward is covering the trial at Manhattan Criminal Court.

Judge Merchan asks, “generally speaking,” whether the prosecution is on schedule.

“Well,” Steinglass says.

Merchan: We’re doing well? Not gonna give me anything more than that?

Steinglass: Are you asking how much time?

“I would say about two more weeks. … This week and next week and then maybe a bit the week after … Very, very rough estimate. I would say two weeks from tomorrow.”

A couple of days were recently knocked off the calendar this month, so they think their time might spill over a bit after next week.

Next week and the week after are three-day trial weeks.