Court is back in session, but Trump came back late
Kayla Epstein
Reporting from court
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Judge Arthur F. EngoronImage caption: Judge Arthur F. Engoron
The court just returned from a short break that was prompted by Trump's lawyers growing impatient with long questioning.
The judge is back at the bench, but Trump and his team have yet to return to the chamber.
"We're waiting for someone," Judge Engoron said as everyone took their seats, "But I won't say who".
Trump strolled back into court with his lawyers a couple minutes later, and Judge Engoron was clearly irked.
"A 10 minute break should not take 15 minutes, it should not take 20," the judge said when Trump finally appeared.
He said everyone, even high profile witnesses, were expected to be back on time.
Judge asks how much longer witness will be quizzed
Chloe Kim
Reporting from court
The Trump team is currently questioning William Kelly, a lawyer for Trump's former accounting firm.
When Judge Engoron asks how much longer their questioning might take, they say an hour.
Much of the questioning has involved a letter from the accounting firm, Mazars, written by Kelly.
The letter terminated the relationship with the Trump Organization, and was sent after a subpoena by the state of New York.
Trump and Cohen: a falling out story
Kayla Epstein
Reporting from court
Michael Cohen had
once claimed he would “take a bullet” for his boss.
The pugnacious
lawyer was at Trump's side as he ran his real estate empire. During the 2016
election, Cohen had arranged hush money payments to an adult film star with
whom Trump had an affair.
But in 2018,
during Trump’s presidency, Cohen turned on him in the face of serious legal
jeopardy.
He eventually went to prison after pleading guilty to charges of tax
evasion, lying to Congress, and campaign finance violations.
Since his
release Cohen has undergone a very public reversal, becoming one of
Trump’s harshest critics and a star witness in not one but two criminal investigations
into the former president.
He has handed over financial documents to Congress, bashed Trump in the press and said Trump inflated his personal
wealth.
Trump responded
with a $500 million lawsuit against Cohen. His lawyers now say that suit is
on pause as he juggles four other criminal cases with a presidential campaign.
Now, the two men will face each other in court for the first time in years.
Protest outside of court
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Outside of the court building there is a small crowd holding various signs.
One reads "lies have consequences", another says "no one is above the law".
Held back by barriers, the group chants: "Trump lies all the time".
Watch: Trump calls Cohen a 'proven liar'
Video content
Video caption: Trump calls Cohen a 'proven liar' before his court appearance in New YorkTrump calls Cohen a 'proven liar' before his court appearance in New York
Just before entering the courtroom, Trump had a few words to say.
Asked by reporters what he thinks about Michael Cohen testifying, the former president said that his former attorney is a "proven liar", mentioning the time Cohen has already served behind bars.
What is this trial all about?
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Trump is sitting in court now flanked by lawyersImage caption: Trump is sitting in court now flanked by lawyers
Before Michael Cohen takes the stand, let's dig into how Donald Trump got to this point.
The former president, his two adult sons - Donald Jr and Eric - and the wider Trump Organization are accused of massively inflating the value of their properties by more than $2bn (£1.65bn). Prosecutors say this was done to secure favourable loans.
The judge in the case, Arthur Engoron, has already ruled that Trump misrepresented his wealth.
Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida was over-valued by 2,300% in one financial statement and his Trump Tower triplex in New York City was presented as being three times its actual size, the ruling said.
This trial focuses on six other claims made in the lawsuit, including falsification of business records, insurance fraud and conspiracy.
On the opening day, lead attorney for the state, Kevin Wallace, said the defendants falsified records for personal gain.
They knew the statements were false, he said, and "then used them to pursue and obtain financial benefits".
Trump has denied the accusations.
A witness enters - but not the one everyone is awaiting
Chloe Kim
Reporting from court
William Kelly, a lawyer at Trump's former accounting firm, was called to the witness stand by the prosecution, but the star witness today will be Trump's former fixer, Michael Cohen.
Judge Arthur Engoron asked for this questioning to be done expeditiously as they have other matters and people - like Cohen - to question.
Michael Cohen: 'Today is about accountability'
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Outside the Manhattan court, Michael Cohen told cameras that "today is about accountability" - not Trump versus Cohen.
He's in a flashy blue suit and a blue tie, surrounded by a team of legal professionals ready for the day ahead.
Stick with us for the proceedings.
Who is Michael Cohen?
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Michael Cohen worked as Trump's attorney for more than a decade.
He was also a vice-president at the Trump Organization and was often described as Trump's fixer.
But the two had a significant falling out after the 2016 election, as investigators began looking into several of Trump's aides.
In 2018, Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison and a fine, after pleading guilty to charges of fraud and campaign finance violations.
Now out of prison, Cohen has become a high-profile critic of Trump and a frequent guest on news programmes.
He wrote a book titled Revenge: How Donald Trump Weaponized the US Department of Justice Against His Critics. Cohen also hosts a podcast.
Another guilty plea in Georgia election case
Just before former President Donald Trump walked into the courtroom, one of his co-defendants in the Georgia election case, Jenna Ellis, pleaded guilty.
Ellis, once a legal advisor for Trump, is the third attorney to plead guilty for trying to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results.
The Georgia case, though, is a criminal one, unlike today's civil trial in New York.
Court is now in session
Kayla Epstein
US reporter
Judge Arthur Engoron took his seat at the bench just minutes ago. A court staffer called the court to order, and the proceedings were underway.
A few pool cameras were briefly admitted to take photos and footage. Judge Engoron gave a slight smile as the lenses turned on him, while Trump remained stock still.
Donald Trump arrives
Kayla Epstein
Reporting from court
Trump has walked into the courtroom flanked by his team of lawyers.
He didn't say anything to people in the courtroom before taking a seat at the front.
We are still awaiting Michael Cohen's arrival.
Trump expected to arrive soon
Chloe Kim
Reporting from court
There is tight security today at New York's Supreme Court.
Police are dotted all around the perimeter and press went through double security.
Sitting in the courtroom now, there is a Secret Service agent stationed in each corner of the room.
A reporter sitting next to me said she even walked right into a huddle of Secret Service when coming down a stairwell.
A hush has fallen over the busy courtroom now. Donald Trump's arrival could be imminent.
A chaotic day at court
Kayla Epstein
Reporting from court
The New York State Supreme Court's iconic facade has been the backdrop for many a movie and television show, and interiors wouldn't look out of place in a Batman film.
Neither would the scene today. Dozens of New York City police officers patrolled the streets outside, while a bank of television cameras awaited star lawyers and witnesses.
Inside, two rounds of security gave way to a gauntlet of cameras lined up outside the entrance to the courtroom.
Flash bulbs went off as police escorted reporters, lawyers, and court staff into the massive courtroom. We weren't the main event, but it was hard not to feel like we'd fallen into our own little episode of Law and Order.
One of the stars of the show, Attorney General Letitia James, strolled into the courtroom about 09:20 local time (14:20 BST).
The two headliners, however, have yet to arrive.
Trump's former 'fixer' to testify against him
Brandon Livesay
Reporting from New York City
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Donald Trump’s New York civil fraud trial.
It’s shaping up to be a fiery day with key witness Michael Cohen testifying.
Cohen is Trump’s former lawyer and “fixer”.
They used to be extremely close allies and Cohen once even pledged he would “take a bullet" for Trump.
But the pair had a massive falling out and are now, essentially, bitter enemies.
New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office has previously said Cohen’s congressional testimony in 2019 sparked this entire investigation.
We’re expecting Trump to be in court today to watch his old fixer give evidence.
It will reportedly be the first time the friends-turned-foes have been in the same room together in five years.
Stay with us as we bring you the latest updates from Manhattan.
Live Reporting
Edited by Brandon Livesay
All times stated are UK
Court is back in session, but Trump came back late
Kayla Epstein
Reporting from court
The court just returned from a short break that was prompted by Trump's lawyers growing impatient with long questioning.
The judge is back at the bench, but Trump and his team have yet to return to the chamber.
"We're waiting for someone," Judge Engoron said as everyone took their seats, "But I won't say who".
Trump strolled back into court with his lawyers a couple minutes later, and Judge Engoron was clearly irked.
"A 10 minute break should not take 15 minutes, it should not take 20," the judge said when Trump finally appeared.
He said everyone, even high profile witnesses, were expected to be back on time.
Judge asks how much longer witness will be quizzed
Chloe Kim
Reporting from court
The Trump team is currently questioning William Kelly, a lawyer for Trump's former accounting firm.
When Judge Engoron asks how much longer their questioning might take, they say an hour.
Much of the questioning has involved a letter from the accounting firm, Mazars, written by Kelly.
The letter terminated the relationship with the Trump Organization, and was sent after a subpoena by the state of New York.
Trump and Cohen: a falling out story
Kayla Epstein
Reporting from court
Michael Cohen had once claimed he would “take a bullet” for his boss.
The pugnacious lawyer was at Trump's side as he ran his real estate empire. During the 2016 election, Cohen had arranged hush money payments to an adult film star with whom Trump had an affair.
But in 2018, during Trump’s presidency, Cohen turned on him in the face of serious legal jeopardy.
He eventually went to prison after pleading guilty to charges of tax evasion, lying to Congress, and campaign finance violations.
Since his release Cohen has undergone a very public reversal, becoming one of Trump’s harshest critics and a star witness in not one but two criminal investigations into the former president.
He has handed over financial documents to Congress, bashed Trump in the press and said Trump inflated his personal wealth.
Trump responded with a $500 million lawsuit against Cohen. His lawyers now say that suit is on pause as he juggles four other criminal cases with a presidential campaign.
Now, the two men will face each other in court for the first time in years.
Protest outside of court
Outside of the court building there is a small crowd holding various signs.
One reads "lies have consequences", another says "no one is above the law".
Held back by barriers, the group chants: "Trump lies all the time".
Watch: Trump calls Cohen a 'proven liar'
Video content
Just before entering the courtroom, Trump had a few words to say.
Asked by reporters what he thinks about Michael Cohen testifying, the former president said that his former attorney is a "proven liar", mentioning the time Cohen has already served behind bars.
What is this trial all about?
Before Michael Cohen takes the stand, let's dig into how Donald Trump got to this point.
The former president, his two adult sons - Donald Jr and Eric - and the wider Trump Organization are accused of massively inflating the value of their properties by more than $2bn (£1.65bn). Prosecutors say this was done to secure favourable loans.
The judge in the case, Arthur Engoron, has already ruled that Trump misrepresented his wealth.
Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida was over-valued by 2,300% in one financial statement and his Trump Tower triplex in New York City was presented as being three times its actual size, the ruling said.
This trial focuses on six other claims made in the lawsuit, including falsification of business records, insurance fraud and conspiracy.
On the opening day, lead attorney for the state, Kevin Wallace, said the defendants falsified records for personal gain.
They knew the statements were false, he said, and "then used them to pursue and obtain financial benefits".
Trump has denied the accusations.
A witness enters - but not the one everyone is awaiting
Chloe Kim
Reporting from court
William Kelly, a lawyer at Trump's former accounting firm, was called to the witness stand by the prosecution, but the star witness today will be Trump's former fixer, Michael Cohen.
Judge Arthur Engoron asked for this questioning to be done expeditiously as they have other matters and people - like Cohen - to question.
Michael Cohen: 'Today is about accountability'
Outside the Manhattan court, Michael Cohen told cameras that "today is about accountability" - not Trump versus Cohen.
His old boss is already seated in the courtroom.
Trump and his entourage walk inside the courtroom
As we reported earlier, Donald Trump has arrived in court.
He's in a flashy blue suit and a blue tie, surrounded by a team of legal professionals ready for the day ahead.
Stick with us for the proceedings.
Who is Michael Cohen?
Michael Cohen worked as Trump's attorney for more than a decade.
He was also a vice-president at the Trump Organization and was often described as Trump's fixer.
But the two had a significant falling out after the 2016 election, as investigators began looking into several of Trump's aides.
In 2018, Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison and a fine, after pleading guilty to charges of fraud and campaign finance violations.
Now out of prison, Cohen has become a high-profile critic of Trump and a frequent guest on news programmes.
He wrote a book titled Revenge: How Donald Trump Weaponized the US Department of Justice Against His Critics. Cohen also hosts a podcast.
Another guilty plea in Georgia election case
Just before former President Donald Trump walked into the courtroom, one of his co-defendants in the Georgia election case, Jenna Ellis, pleaded guilty.
Ellis, once a legal advisor for Trump, is the third attorney to plead guilty for trying to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results.
The Georgia case, though, is a criminal one, unlike today's civil trial in New York.
Court is now in session
Kayla Epstein
US reporter
Judge Arthur Engoron took his seat at the bench just minutes ago. A court staffer called the court to order, and the proceedings were underway.
A few pool cameras were briefly admitted to take photos and footage. Judge Engoron gave a slight smile as the lenses turned on him, while Trump remained stock still.
Donald Trump arrives
Kayla Epstein
Reporting from court
Trump has walked into the courtroom flanked by his team of lawyers.
He didn't say anything to people in the courtroom before taking a seat at the front.
We are still awaiting Michael Cohen's arrival.
Trump expected to arrive soon
Chloe Kim
Reporting from court
There is tight security today at New York's Supreme Court.
Police are dotted all around the perimeter and press went through double security.
Sitting in the courtroom now, there is a Secret Service agent stationed in each corner of the room.
A reporter sitting next to me said she even walked right into a huddle of Secret Service when coming down a stairwell.
A hush has fallen over the busy courtroom now. Donald Trump's arrival could be imminent.
A chaotic day at court
Kayla Epstein
Reporting from court
The New York State Supreme Court's iconic facade has been the backdrop for many a movie and television show, and interiors wouldn't look out of place in a Batman film.
Neither would the scene today. Dozens of New York City police officers patrolled the streets outside, while a bank of television cameras awaited star lawyers and witnesses.
Inside, two rounds of security gave way to a gauntlet of cameras lined up outside the entrance to the courtroom.
Flash bulbs went off as police escorted reporters, lawyers, and court staff into the massive courtroom. We weren't the main event, but it was hard not to feel like we'd fallen into our own little episode of Law and Order.
One of the stars of the show, Attorney General Letitia James, strolled into the courtroom about 09:20 local time (14:20 BST).
The two headliners, however, have yet to arrive.
Trump's former 'fixer' to testify against him
Brandon Livesay
Reporting from New York City
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Donald Trump’s New York civil fraud trial.
It’s shaping up to be a fiery day with key witness Michael Cohen testifying.
Cohen is Trump’s former lawyer and “fixer”.
They used to be extremely close allies and Cohen once even pledged he would “take a bullet" for Trump.
But the pair had a massive falling out and are now, essentially, bitter enemies.
New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office has previously said Cohen’s congressional testimony in 2019 sparked this entire investigation.
We’re expecting Trump to be in court today to watch his old fixer give evidence.
It will reportedly be the first time the friends-turned-foes have been in the same room together in five years.
Stay with us as we bring you the latest updates from Manhattan.