The criminal trial of former President Trump is set to continue on Friday morning with the testimony of Doug Daus, a computer forensic analyst from the district attorney's office. Daus, who is the seventh witness for the prosecution, previously examined two cell phones belonging to Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen.
During Daus' testimony, an audio recording was played in which Michael Cohen can be heard discussing the need to open a company to transfer funds to 'our friend David.' The defense initiated cross-examination towards the end of the day, focusing on the chain of custody of the phones.
Prior to Daus, Keith Davidson, an attorney who represented both Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels, completed his testimony. Davidson shared details of his interactions with Cohen before and after the 2016 election, stating that Stormy Daniels' denial of an affair with Trump was technically accurate as their interactions were not characterized as romantic. He also clarified that the money paid to Stormy by Cohen was considered a 'consideration' rather than a payoff.
Davidson's audio recordings were played by the defense, revealing his acknowledgment that Cohen did not require authorization from Trump to make the payment to Stormy. The court session concluded early at 3:45 p.m. to accommodate a juror's appointment.
