GottaLaff ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

🧵starts HERE. 1/…

Bower:

Justice Merchan starts off will the prosecution motion for contempt.

He tells Trump he's about to issue his ruling, in which he will again find Trump in contempt of court.

The last thing I want to do is put you in jail, Justice Merchan says to Trump. You are the former President of the United States and possibly the next President as well.

But "going forward," he continues, "this court will have to consider jail sanctions" if necessary.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

2/ Klasfeld:

Merchan:

"The magnitude of such a decision is not lost on me, but at the end of the day, I have a job to do."

Trump's defiance of the gag order threatens the integrity of the proceedings and constitute "direct attack on the rule of law," he says.

"I cannot allow that to continue."

After that warning, Merchan hands physical copies of his decision to the parties.

GottaLaff OP ,
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3/ Klasfeld:

👉🏼The judge finds Trump in contempt for a 10th time.

"Going forward, this court will have to consider a jail sanction."

Note:

👉🏼Prosecutors explicitly did not seek Trump's incarceration on this contempt motion, which predated the judge's last warning.

Merchan's ruling from the bench puts an exclamation mark on his previously unspoken and written warning.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

4/ McBrien:

…another $1,000 fine.

There are many reasons why incarceration is truly the last resort. It will obstruct the proceedings, Merchan adds, which is the last thing that Trump wants.

But at the end of the day I have a job to do. Your continued willful violations constitute a direct attack on the rule of law. I cannot allow that to continue. As much as I've wanted to avoid a jail sentence, I will as necessary and if approp.

https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/press/PDFs/DOcontempt_5-6-24FINAL.pdf

GottaLaff OP ,
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5/ McB:

Today's witness will be JEFFREY MCCONNEY

Bove is up now, and he wants to address some objections to exhibits that will be introduced outside the presence of the jury. If the court is willing to go through them one by one beforehand.

There are 20+ exhibits Colangelo says, and we're arguing about the evidence that the prosecution wants to introduce during McConney's testimony today.

GottaLaff OP ,
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6/ McB:

McConney was the Trump Organization's controller in the statement of facts.

It's very hard for me to [object to the exhibits] that on the fly—I still don't know what the exhibits are, Bove protests, but Merchan doesn't know what that has to do with the presence of the jury or not.

We'll do it at the sidebar, you'll have an opportunity, Merchan says.

GottaLaff OP ,
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7/ Phang on contempt:

Merchan addresses Trump directly regarding his continued violations of
“It appears that the 1,000 fines are not serving as a deterrent.”
“The last thing I want to do is to put you in jail. You are the former president of the United States, and possibly the next president as well.”
“There are many reasons why incarceration is truly a last resort for you.”
“To take that step would be disruptive to the proceedings”
“But at the end of the day, I have a job to do.”

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

8/ Andrea Bernstein:

I've now watched 3 different judges threaten Trump with jail time. Judge Merchan seems to really mean it, if Trump defies his gag order again.

"So as much as I do not want to impose a jail sanction & have done everything I can to avoid doing so, I want you to know I will."

PeachMcD ,
@PeachMcD@union.place avatar

@GottaLaff

I'll believe it when I see it

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

9/ McB:

Wouldn't it be more orderly to take these one-by-one, Bove asks, but Merchan doesn't want to keep jury waiting. Also, defense could have given Merchan a heads up yesterday when they found out about McConney.

In the indictment's statement of facts, Cohen allegedly sent the first invoice to McConney ~Feb 14, 2017, and McConney allegedly forwarded the invoice to Deborah Tarasoff TO Accounts Payable Supervisor) writing: “...legal expenses. Put ‘retainer for the months of Jan and Feb 2017

GottaLaff OP ,
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10/ McB:

Merchan welcomes back jurors and offers an instruction: Exhibits have been admitted into evidence with redactions, made to remove PII, and insure only relevant admissable evidence has been put before you. Do not draw any inference at these redactions.

The People call Jeffrey McConney.

He has a mop of white hair, a white goatee, and he wears a dark suit with blue patterned tie.

Asisstant DA Colangelo steps up for the prosecution and asks about McConney's education.

GottaLaff OP ,
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11/ Inner City Press (aka Press):

Prosecutor: Mr. McConney, please describe your education
McConney: Baruch College; hired by the Trump Org in 1987. Now I'm retired.
Prosecutor: Did you sign a separation agreement?
McConney: Yes. The payments are now complete. I did tax prep for 50 yrs
Prosecutor: Are you here under subpoena?
McConney: Yes.
Prosecutor: Who is paying for your lawyer?
McConney: Trump Org.
Prosecutor: Who ran it?
McConney: Pres Trump. He was the brains behind it. He was my boss.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

12/ McB:

When asked his def of Trump Org, McConney says: To me there's 2 definitions—there are 2 legal entities, Trump Org, Inc. & Trump Org, LLC. Most people refer to Trump Org as Pres Trump's global holdings and assets, IP, whatever. Trump ran the org, he was the brains.[👈🏼Me: debatable😉]

Any convos w/ Trump since he retired last Feb? No, McConney says.

Before he retired, over 500 entities comprised the Trump Org, he says.

For those 500 or so entities, what kind of businesses are they in?

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

13/ McB:

Golf courses, real estate, licensing deals—that's the bulk of it, McConney says.

trumporg [dot] com was the domain for McConney's email pre-retirement, he says.

JM says Trump Org itself doesn't hold assets (e.g., Trump Tower)—the way we've set everything up is each asset was owned by a separate entity, sometimes multiple entities. Ultimate owner is the trust, with Trump as beneficiary, JM says.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

14/ [I love👉🏼] McB:

Buckle up for documents—lots, and lots of documents.

Folks, it could be a "slog," to borrow Susan Hoffinger's phrase from voir dire.

First up is a "summarized structure chart" of the Trump trust, visible currently only to the parties and the witness.

I fear that the only tears we see this morning will be tears of boredom.

Please prove me wrong Mr. McConney!

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

15/ Pagliery:

What was different this time was that Justice Merchan finally addressed the elephant in the room.

No, not Trump.

I'm talking about the potential for destabilizing the nation & directing the fury of MAGA on NYC.

Merchan understands the stakes. And they are unbelievably high.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

16/ Pagliery cont’d:

Let me differentiate this from the warnings he got in DC from Judge Tanya Chutkan & just down the street from Judge Lewis Kaplan & Justice Arthur F. Engoron.

Chutkan mostly stuck to court orders. Kaplan threatened to eject him from the room. Engoron mentioned jail in passing.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

17/ Sidebar.

Aaron Rupar on pre-trial Trump rant:

Trump this morning on his way into court was very confused about how gag orders work (they don't prevent him from answering questions about testifying or the trial), and then shouted out Greg Jarrett, Andrew McCarthy, Jonathan Turley, and Mark Levin. 😆

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

18/ McB:

Finally, we see an org chart titled "Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust Dated April 7, 2014"

It's various holding companies that own different entities that make up the Trump Org, and they all roll up to the trust.

Page two is a Schedule, showing relationships btwn entities

McConney believes the trust may have been created 4/7/14 but he's "not a lawyer," so can't be exactly sure.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

19/ McB:

Trump and Allen Weisselberg were the trustees of the trust.

McConney was promoted to controller when Weisselberg was promoted to CFO, and was his boss for more than three decades.

👉🏼A lesson to the bosses of the world: be nice to your direct reports. You never know when they'll have to testify against you under oath.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

20/ Back to Pagliery (see above):

By contrast, Merchan has drawn a bright, thick, red line. He might as well have used Trump's preferred sharpie marker.

Merchan has tried to avoid cornering himself this way.

He always speaks in generalities. He addresses lawyers, not Trump. Unaggressive tone & passive diction.

But now he's given Trump an ultimatum. Trump knows that all he has to do is press that big, shiny button.

GottaLaff OP ,
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21/ Pagliery contd:

And if he does, Merchan must respond with force or lose control of this courtroom.

The judge invoked the spirit of the justice system. This is a last stand of sorts.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

22/ McB:

McConney is discussing his roles and responsibilites as controller—he oversaw the accounting department and general ledger, including accounts payable and processing expense reimbursements.

We're starting to zero in on the "retainer" payments and "legal expenses."

We're getting some Accounting 101 now.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

23/ McB:

What's accounts payable? It's simple really. McConney explains it as "when you or an entity owes somebody money."

Accounts receivable? "It's the other side—when somebody owes you money."

General ledger? Keeps track of all transactions.

#DefendantSleepyFlopSweatMcBrainSpurs snooze alert!👇🏼

Trump's eyes are closed during these basic accounting lessons, and not for the first time (nor likely the last), I don't blame him one bit.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

24/ McB:

Golf courses and hotels were excluded—they had their own accounting staff, says McConney.

As controller, it was McConney's job to keep the ledger accurate. The ledger was run by a computer program called MDS—multi-data services or systems, McConney can't remember.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

25/ REMINDER: I do not/cannot read/answer replies while live-posting.

Please use NFL (Not For Laffy) if you post something I don’t need to read. DO NOT HASHTAG NFL.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

26/ McB:

Back in the 80s, one of McConney's first job was to set up the accounting systems, and they had MDS up and running since 1990/1991 until at least the day he retired.

👉🏼Thrilling stuff folks. To his credit, Justice Merchan looks on intently. He's alert and present.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

27/ Press’s take:

Prosecutor: What does it say at the top?
McConney: The Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust.
Pros: Who were on it?
McConney: President Trump, Donald Trump, Jr. and Allen Weisselberg.
Pros: Did you oversee the general ledger?
McConney: Yes
Pros: Did you supervise Deb Tarasoff?
McConney: Yes.
Pros: Did the Trump Tower accounting team cover all entities?
McConney: All except gold course and hotels.
Pros: Who enters information into the general ledger?
McConney: The accounting staff.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

28/ Back to contempt, this time via Angry Staffer. This seems to be the consensus:

This time, the judge also spoke directly to Trump, making sure that he understands that he could go to jail.

Positive development. Now, actually throw him in jail the next time he violates the gag order.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

29/ McB:

As we talk through Trump Org 's financial structure, we're watching the yeoman's work of prosecuting right now.

For all those law school hopefuls writing their essays about trial, let this also be a lesson. You're going to review documents. Lots and lots of documents.

McConney says that his accounting staff maintained the general ledger of the Trump org as well as Trump's personal bank accounts, including checking accounts. At the time he's discussing, Trump was using Capitol One.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

30/ Pagliery:

Re: McConney…

He's a former Trump company accountant who keep showing up DJT's trials. Always says damning stuff, but not very helpful to prosecutors.

When the Manhattan DA went after the Trump Org for tax fraud, he testified before the grand jury (and got immunity) but then tried to absorb all the blame for accounting shenanigans during the actual trial. Didn't work. Jurors didn't believe him.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

31/ Pagliery contd:

When the New York AG went after the Trumps for bank fraud, he testified at the trial and tried to play dumb. Justice Engoron didn't believe him.

McConney comes off like a forgetful teddy bear. He's 69, sports a goatie & keeps his white hair in a mop like he's a teen in 1974.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

32/ REMINDER: If there are typos, they’re theirs, not mine. I copy/paste and don’t catch them, usually don’t have time to correct even if I do.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

33/ McB:

Justice Merchan's order and decision is now live on the docket.

He doesn't find Trump in contempt for the two Cohen statements, nor the Pecker statement, but fines Trump $1k for the jury-related statement.

It's the 10th criminal contempt count.

Order certainly gels with what he discussed in court on Thurs. He's not so worried about Cohen as a witness, but he is quite concerned about the jury as it relates to their safety and the fair administration of justice.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

34/ McB:

Back to McConney, who is discussing invoices:

"I'm an old timer, I like pieces of paper."

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

35/ Press:

Prosecutor: Did the Trump Org ever cut a check if no invoice was submitted?
McConney: Never.
Prosecutor: Who has authority to approve invoices?
McConney: Pres Trump, Eric Trump, Don Jr., Ivanka when she was working w us, a few others
Prosecutor: One many signatures were required on checks?
McConney: Below $10,000 only one signature. Over $10K, 2 signatures.
Prosecutor: If a lawyer receives payment, is it taxable?
McConney? If an outside attorney, I assume so [Sips from water bottle]

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

36/ Klasfeld:

Asked if Allen Weisselberg sometimes approved invoices by email, McConney answers: "Yes."

Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo hands a thumb drive the witness.

McConney identifies it by his "scribble."

They contain emails, notes, reports from the general ledger, and Form 1099s regarding payments, the witness agrees.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

37/ Pagliery:

McConney typically handled Trump Org checks.

That's why his testimony today could be important as prosecutors try to show that Trump himself would have approved reimbursing Michael Cohen for the Stormy Daniels hush money.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

38/ Pagliery:

Also worth noting: He retired from the Trump Org last year. But his promised hefty bonus conveniently hung over his head when he testified at the bank fraud trial last year.

The judge in that case called it out for what it was: a way to keep him silent.

Keep that in mind today.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

39/ McB:

Colangelo hands up a thumb drive of exhibits, includes Docs include for general ledger of DJT account, trust account, emails for approval for payment, notes for payment, 1099s etc.

McConney confirms he reviewed the doc bc "my scribble...and today's date" is written on the drive.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

40/ Phang:

IMPORTANT:

COLANGELO: “How did you request [Trump's] approval [to pay invoices]?”
MCCONNEY: “I’m an old-timer,” and I liked to use a piece of paper. If it was a piece of paper, “I would just bring it down to [Trump] and approve it.”
MCONNEY: If it came by email, “I would ask [Trump] to approve it that way.”

MCCONNEY: Signatory authority for Trump's personal account was Trump. For the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust account: Eric, Don Jr and Allen Weisselberg.

GottaLaff OP ,
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41/ Klasfeld:

The judge admits the evidence with no objections, and he allows the defense to object to the others if prosecutors fail to lay the foundation.

Testimony turns to Michael Cohen.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

42/ McB:

I just looked over at the high schoolers in the gallery. It looks like they're hanging in there, but I fear that much more of this relentless discussion of financial documents might make them lose interest in the law and justice system entirely

Bove objects to exhibits 37(A-K), 45, 54, 55

"Are you familiar with someone named Michael Cohen?" Colangelo asks McConney

"I was there as long as he was"—maybe 5-10 years—McConney says of Cohen. Sometimes they would chat by the coffee machine

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

43/ McB:

"What was Cohen's position in the Trump Org?" Colangelo asks.

"Uh, he said he was a lawyer," McConney says, getting the first laugh of an otherwise stiff day.

When in doubt, Cohen is always a good punchline I guess.

Q: Did you become aware he was owed money?
A: Yes. Learned from Weisselberg.

McConney says, Weisselberg said we had to get some money to michael. Tossed a pen towards me started taking notes on what he said.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

44/ Klasfeld:

The prosecutor asks what Allen Weisselberg said about paying Michael Cohen.

McConney mentions the complaint about his end of year bonus, and there was other money Cohen was "owed."

👉🏼Analysis: That appears to be a blow in favor of the prosecution — because Trump's defense claimed during opening statements that Cohen's payments were all legal fees.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

45/ McB:

Handwriting on left-hand side of the page JM recognizes as Weisselberg, which he can do because he's seen that handwriting for 35 years.

The handwriting is of various calculations that reflect a total amount to be repaid in monthly intervals.

McConney kept this document in a book in a locked drawer in his office.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

46/ FOLKS, I’M IN CALIF SO it’s only 7:30 am here. This is where I break to get ready for the day.

I will resume when I return, and catch you up on every word.

Be back asap.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

47/ Once again I have prevailed over Mr. Blowdryer.

Time to catch you up, via Phang and Weissmann:

Phang:

McConney confirms that $130k was to be reimbursement to Cohen for the Stormy Daniels payment & $50k was reimbursement for a payment to Red Finch for tech services.
Weisselberg then wrote down that Cohen should be "grossed up" to cover his state, federal, and city taxes for NYC residents.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

48/ Phang:

Weisselberg also wrote $60k for additional bonus, which McConney understood was to "make up for what [Cohen] thought he was owed" for the prior year's bonus.

McConney testifies that he did not understand that the purpose of the second $180k was to cover Cohen's taxes.

GottaLaff OP ,
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49/ Phang:

COLANGELO: “Do these notes show that Mr Cohen was receiving 360,000 back on a 180,000 expense?”
MCCONNEY: Yes
COLANGELO: “Are you aware of another instance where an expense reimbursement was doubled to account for taxes?” MCCONNEY: No.

McConney then testifies that he emailed Michael Cohen about the invoices:
EMAIL FROM MCCONNEY TO COHEN DATE: 2/6/2017 9:39a SUBJECT: $$ Mike, Just a reminder to get me the invoices you spoke to Allen about. Thanks Jeff

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

50/ Phang:

McConney reads this email from Cohen to Weisselberg:
To Allen Weisselberg Dear Allen, Pursuant to the retainer agreement, kindly remit payment for services rendered for the months of January and February, 2017. January, 2017: $35,000.00 February, 2017: $35,000.00
COLANGELO: “Did you ever see a retainer agreement?”
MCCCONEY: “I did not “

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

51/ Phang:

EMAIL FROM ALLEN WEISSELBERG TO MCCONNEY FEBRUARY 14, 2017 “Ok to pay as per agreement with Don and Eric.”

COLANGELO: Did you send this invoice to the legal department? MCCONNEY: No
COLANGELO: Was it typical for legal dept to review requests for legal dept?
MCCONNEY: Yes

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

52/ Phang:

Email from McConney to Deborah Tarasoff, with Alan’s approval email being forwarded:

FEBRUARY 14, 2017 12:10pm
Deb, Please pay from the Trust. Post to legal expenses. Put “retainer for the months of January and February 2017” in the description. Thanks Jeff

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

53/ Phang:

COLANGELO: Why did you ask Tarasoff to pay from the Trust account?
MCCONNEY: At that time because he was President we were paying from the Trust account
COLANGELO: Why did you say “post to legal expenses?” MCCONNEY: Whenever you make a payment you have to choose at least one general ledger category.
MCCONNEY: Anybody that was in the general ledger could see the information in the general ledger. If I run a report, anybody who gets the report can see it.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

54/ Phang:

COLANGELO: When you switched to DJT from Trust what did that mean? MCCONNEY: We had to get it to the White House to get signed… “A whole new process for us,” Mcconney said.
COLANGELO: Mr. Trump was the only signatory on checks cut from the DJT account, is that correct?
MCCONNEY: Yes.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

55/ Phang:

McConney then testifies to the jury about a April 13, 2017 email and attached invoice from Michael Cohen to Allen Weisselberg, which Weisselberg forwards minutes later to McConney without comment or subject.
McConney then forwards it to Tarasoff the same day with only the words "please pay."

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

56/ Phang:

After McConney walks through each monthly payment, the Court takes recess.

Earlier, out of order:

McConney reads following out loud to jury (these are his handwritten notes that he took when Allen was telling him what to do):
"DOCUMENT-TRUMP LETTERHEAD—- Michael Cohen 27th Pay thru Jan 20, 2017 Bonus $50,000 180,000 180,000 x 2 for taxes Use $420,000 divided by 12 = $35,000/month Wire Monthly from DJT Start $35,000 Start date January 2017 Mike to invoice us (Mike is Michael Cohen)"

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

57/ Weissmann:

File under truly lame excuse:

Trump counsel says they are not prepared for Jeff McConney

  • he is the Trump Org longtime controller and testified at the Trump Org trial
  • and discovery was provided about him long ago. Judge Merchan denies request to adjourn taking his testimony.
GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

58/ Weissmann:

McConney testimony that payment of legal fees by Trump would, he believed, be taxable to the attorney as income will be important later to explain why Trump reimbursed more than $130,000 to Cohen as he would have to pay taxes on it.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

59/ Weissmann:

McConney identifying Weisselberg handwritten notes is going to be a HUGE piece of evidence, confirming the reimbursement amounts, and that a witness independent of Cohen identifies it as Weisselberg's notes specifying the precise amounts Cohen needs to be reimbursed (including the $130,000 hush money payment).

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

60/ Weissmann:

Keep your eye on the $50,000 Red Finch reimbursement by Trump to Cohen (as part of the reimbursement scheme)

  • expect the DA to argue that the Red Finch payment was another campaign expenditure by Cohen, which the campaign was keeping off the books, and Trump reimbursed.
GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

61/ Weissmann;

The invoices also includes language that says they are payments for "services rendered" during that month, which is also something the DA will argue is false, since they included reimbursement (and Trump has admitted) for the $130,000, and not a payment for ongoing services.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

62/ Weissmann:

The falsity of the invoices is made crystal clear by the fact that if it were just a reimbursement is would be paid 1 for 1 and recorded as such (ie Trump wd owe Cohen $130,000), but the reimbursement had to be doubled because it was disguised as income on which Cohen would have to pay taxes. Weisselberg and McConney BOTH took notes that reflect that scheme.

GottaLaff OP ,
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63/ Kyle Griffin:

McConney says that one of the repayment checks to Michael Cohen had gotten lost while being sent between the Trump Org. and the White House for Trump's signature.
Checks had to be sent from the company to the White House for Trump to sign each of them before they were issued.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

64/ Weissmann:

The invoices also includes language that says they are payments for "services rendered" during that month, which is also something the DA will argue is false, since they included reimbursement (and Trump has admitted) for the $130,000, and not a payment for ongoing services.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

65/ Phang:

McConney is back on the stand, testifies about a Query Voucher Summary that reflects the payments made to "Michael D. Cohen, Esq."
This document has Tarasoff's handwritten notes. The report was run on Jan. 5. 2018 and reflects all payments to Cohen between Jan. 1, 2017 and the date of the report.
Per this Summary, the DJT Revocable Trust paid $105,000, and Trump's personal account paid $315,000 for a total of $420,000.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

66/ All caught up!

Klasfeld:

McConney says that there were no legal expenses to Cohen logged in the account for 2018.

(Prosecutors say all the reimbursements were paid, and completed, the year before in 2017.)

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

67/ McB:

The handwriting lumps three payments together and writes $105,000—these were paid out from the Trump Trust.

The remainder, $315,000, "were cut from the president's [Trump's] personal banking account."

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

68/ McB:

As someone with no accounting experience other than doing my taxes every year, I should say that the prosecution has walked us through these financial documents in a slow and accessible way.

Miraculously, I feel confident I know what a"general ledger report" is now.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

69/ McB:

The prosecution tries to introduce a detail ledger report for the Trump revocable trust.

Objection, side bar.

Overruled. People's 54 is introduced into evidence.

It's a Detail General Ledger report from the Trump revocable trust from 01/2018-12/2018.

A few pages show legal expenses.

Were any payments in 2018 to Cohen billed as legal expense? No.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

70/ McB:

People's exhibit 55 now: it's another detail general ledger for calendar year 2018 but for Trump's personal account.

We see entries for legal expenses. 👉🏼Lots and lots and lots of legal expenses.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

71/ Phang:

McConney makes it clear that per reports run from the general ledgers for each of Trump's personal account and the Revocable Trust account, no legal expenses were paid to Cohen from either account in 2018.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

72/ McB:

People's 43 now: we're back to the Trust account with another detail general ledger, for calendar years 2017 and 2018. It shows the three payments to Cohen from the trust account (Jan - March 2017), coded as a legal expense, totaling $105,000.

People's 44: another detail general ledger for Trump's personal account, for calendar years 2017 and 2018. This one shows legal expenses paid between April - Dec 2017, there's description of a retainer for each payment, totaling $315,000.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

73/ Klasfeld:

More hallway press pool notes show more of Trump avoiding tripwires offered for him to step on, following contempt finding No. 10.

When he walked into the pen, your pooler shouted: Is Michael Cohen a liar?

He responded by speaking about the gag order, which he called unconstitutional.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

74/ Klasfeld:

At one point during his remarks, he said witnesses they’re calling “have nothing to do with the case.”

As he left, your pooler shouted: How is the judge conflicted? Which witnesses were you speaking about?

Reminder:

Trump's attorney Todd Blanche previously said that his client can't simply give no-comments to press inquiries like this, but the former president confirms once again that he can.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

75/ McB:

McConney is describing the various types of 1099 tax forms.

The high schoolers, to their credit, are still paying close attention.

We now see People's 93: it's a 2017 1099-MISC. The payer is the Trump trust, and Michael D. Cohen, Esq. is the receipient.

Nonemployee compensation equals $105,000.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

76/ McB:

We see a second 2017 1099-MISC, with the payer as Donald J. Trump and Michael D. Cohen, Esq. as the receipient.

Nonemployee compensation equals $315,000.

These are the 1099s that the Trump Org sent to the receipient and IRS to report the $420,000 in payments that Cohen received in 2017.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

77/ McB:

Are you familiar with the Office of Govt Ethics? Colangelo asks McConney, getting a few subdued chuckles from the gallery.

McConney describes the 278E filing— a filing for conflict of interest form Trump had to file annually.

278E is a conflicts disclosure, so what kind of info has to be disclosed?

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

78/ McB:

A schedule list of all the entities Trump owned, a listing of assets and their value/location/income, retirement funds and payments, spouse's accents, stock and bank account holdings, liabilities, gifts.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

79/ McB:

McConney would work til 4am filling out these documents—"might be normal for you" McConney says to Colangelo, but "not normal for my life."

He would work through the night filling these out from A to Z for each year McConney was there and Trump was a public official.

Prosecution offers Trump's 2017 OGE conflicts report into evidence, but Bove objects.

Sidebar.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

80/ McB:

Overruled, we see People's 81: Trump's annual OGE conflict of interest form for 2017.

It's signed by Trump and dated 5/15/2018.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

81/ McB:

On page 45 (Part 8: Liabilities), JM reads (paraphgrased): In the interest of transparency, while not required to be disclosed...in 2016 expenses were incurred by one of DJT's attorneys, Cohen. Cohen sought reimbursement of those expenses and Trump fully reimbursed him in 2017.

At 12:16 p.m., no further questions from Colangelo.

"Your witness," Merchan says to the defense, as Bove gathers his binder and steps up to the podium.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

82/ McB:

Bove: At that time, Michael Cohen was a lawyer, correct?

McConney: Ok...sure (getting another respectable laugh from the gallery. Once again, the tried and true Cohen punchline.)

Payments to lawyers are legal expenses, right? Yes
And you booked those expenses as legal expenses, right? Yes.
Rarely had convos with Pres Trump? Very rarely.
Never gave him a tour of the MDS system? Right.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

83/ McB:

Did Weisselberg ever suggest that Trump told him to do these things? No, McConney says, he never told him that.

McConney says he never talked to Cohen about these issues in 2017, despite these emails.

During Cohen's ~10 years at TO, interactions w/ McConney were "minimal."

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

84/ McB:

Cohen worked as the "personal attorney" of Trump, "outside the Trump Organization," Bove asks, which McConney confirms, as Bove enunciates those phrases in quotes.

We see correspondence from Cohen.

It says Personal attorney to DJT—it doesn't say "fixer" right? Right.

And he's not using a Trump Org email account right? Right. It's a gmail account.

Cohen was akin to a vendor to Trump.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

85/ McB:

Bove: You don't know one way or another, from your vantage point, whether Cohen did legal work for Trump in 2017?
McConney: That's correct.
Bove: Legal work for Trump's family?
Objection from the prosecution. Sustained.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

86/ McB:

Bove asks if McConney previously testified that Jan 2017 was a period of "flux and chaos" at the Trump organization

"That's putting it mildly," McConney says.

Andrew Weissmann:

On cross, Trump counsel correctly points out that McConney did not get instructions from Trump himself, or talk to him, about the payments to Cohen.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

87/ Via Kyle Cheney:

Trump's 'bash Cohen at every turn' defense is unsurprising. But prosecution 101 has an answer to these kinds of attacks on cooperating witnesses — 'the witness may be a lowlife, sleazy, criminal moron, so what does it say that the defendant kept counsel with him for many years?'

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

88/ McB:

Defense shows witness and parties H-10, meant to refresh McConney's recollection of public disclosures related to this structure.

Colangelo objects and asks to approach—sidebar.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

89/ McB:

Trump remains at the defense table with Susan Necheles, and the two are in deep conversation as the sidebar occurs just ahead of them.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

90/ McB:

Sustained.

We continue to discuss the trust: there were two trustees—one of Trump's sons and Weisselberg—and 500 entities with thousands of employees rolled up into the Trust. Hotels with guests in the thousands, and golf courses with members in the thousands.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

91/ Pagliery:

Pretty clear Trump's legal team is trying to establish:

  1. Weisselberg never said Trump greenlit this
  2. Cohen maybe did real legal work & made himself out to be the president's "personal lawyer" in 2017
  3. Cohen claimed to run PC (professional corp) that was a Trump Org vendor
GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

92/ McB:

As a result of that diversity, there was a very real commercial risk, and the organization was paying marketing people to manage that risk.

Each one of these entities w/ a bank account had a general ledger.

The general ledger for Trump was "like his personal checkbook" according to McConney.

So that could include utility bills? Yes.
Educational expenses for children? Yes.
And this was part of separate general ledger? Yes.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

93/ McB:

McConney testified previously that he oversaw Trump's cash position.

There were times during Trump's presidency when his cash position was in the 100s of millions of dollars. McConney confirms there was a time when Trump had at least $60 million in unrestricted cash.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

94/ Press:

Trump's lawyer Bove: You understand that negative news would hurt the business?
McConney: I'm not a marketing guy.
Bove: But the Trump Organization hired marketing people, right?
McConney: Yes.
Bove: The MDS system was antiquated, right? Old categories?
A: Yes.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

95/ Phang:

(Here comes the "chaos" excuse that we have heard in the MAL classified documents case):

BOVE: Jan 2017, was in flux and chaos at Trump Org? MCCONNEY: “That’s putting it mildly.”
BOVE: Things changed from the way things were done for decades?
MCCONNEY: yes

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

96/ Klasfeld:

Asked if there was a real risk about adverse publicity, McConney replied he wasn't a marketing person.

The defense attorney notes that the Trump Org had employees handle publicity, and bad press about Trump could threaten business. McConney agrees.

Bove shows McConney his own notes of the system of Cohen's reimbursements on Trump Organization letterhead.

McConney agrees that he was just writing what Weisselberg explained to him.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

97/ McB:

Bove displays Exhibit 36, McConney's notes on Trump stationery he took in a meeting with Weisselberg, specifically the line "x2 for taxes."

McConney confirms that Weisselberg had a lot of experience but he wasn't a tax accountant.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

98/ McB:

McConney says that he doesn't know exactly what Weisselberg meant by "grossed up," nor does he know how Cohen treated these payments on his own taxes, nor does he know anything about "Red Finch for tech services."

Bove is highlighting the many things McConney doesn't know.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

99/ A little gift from Klasfeld:

He says he also doesn't know what RedFinch is.

👉🏼(Context: It's reportedly the IT firm that rigged online polls for Trump in early 2015.)

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

100/ McB:

The notes were in a locked cabinet in McConney's office because the payroll books in the cabinet had sensitive information—not necessarily because the notes themselves were sensitive.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

101/ Anna Bower:

With this line of questioning, Bove seems to be underscoring a key theme for the defense:

That Trump's business empire is far too vast, and that his transition to the White House far too busy and chaotic, for him to be responsible for falsifying business records.

William3rd ,
@William3rd@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL
What utter Bull!

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

102/ McB:

We see again one of the invoice emails Cohen sent to Weisselberg.

Bove: It says "pursuant to the retainer agreement"—retainer agreements can be verbal, correct?
McConney: Yes.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

103/ Klasfeld:

Bove seeks to mitigate the blow of McConney's testimony that he kept the notes of Cohen's reimbursement system in a locked drawer.

Q: Isn't it a fact that most of the drawers in your office were locked?
A: Yes.

McConney agrees with the attorney's argument that this was because payroll records contained sensitive information.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

104/ Weissmann:

An apparent big slip by Trump counsel as he elicits from McConney that Weisselberg told him the money was for some sort of reimbursement. Remember: that is the DA's position, and that the paperwork disguised it as legal fees. And Trump wants to say it was really legal fees and not a reimbursement.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

105/ McB:

We see again one of the invoice emails Cohen sent to Weisselberg.

Bove: It says "pursuant to the retainer agreement"—retainer agreements can be verbal, correct?
McConney: Yes.

Bove is zeroing in on the payment transition from the Trust to the personal account.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

106/ McB:

McConney confirms that part of the issue is that this was all new to the accounting dept—trying to figure out how to pay Trump's personal expenses while he was in DC.

Back to the 1099 forms now—one from the Trust, one from Trump's personal account, both to Cohen.

Bove clarifies that there's no place on this form to break out legal services vs. expenses incurred while carrying out those services, when reporting to the IRS.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

107/ Klasfeld:

The defense turns to the 1099 forms, from Trump and his trust, noting the vendor name on both is "Michael D. Cohen, Esq."

Bove's questions circle around his argument that these are, in fact, for legal fees.

Asked to confirm he did not know what Cohen did with his taxes, McConney says he doesn't.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

108/ McB:

Now back to the OGE conflicts form signature page, which was signed by the OGE agent, who concluded that the filer (Trump) was in compliance with the ethics regulations based on what was on the form.

At 12:51 p.m. nothing further from Bove.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

109/ McB:

"Just a few questions," Colangelo says for redirect.

Do expense reimbursements usually get repoted to the IRS? Colangelo asks. Not usually, no.
Were you privy to any convs between Trump and Weisselberg about these payments? No
Cohen? No
Any convos with the three of them about the payments? No

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

110/ Klasfeld:

The prosecutor asked McConney if Weisselberg kept him "in the dark" on certain things.

Objection.
Overruled.

"Yes," McConney answers.

McB:

All happening above your head? Yes.
You were told to do something and you did it? Yes.
No further questions from Colangelo.

Bove steps back up.: All payments were disclosed to the IRS?
McConney: Yes.

The witness steps down, and Merchan takes a lunch recess

See you at 2:15 p.m. Merchan hopes the jurors enjoy their lunch.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

111/ Pagliery, always with something interesting:

Trump walks out looking unperturbed. Alina Habba looks stressed. Eric Trump is beaming.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

112/ Phang:

McConney testifies that the DJT Revocable Trust paid the first 3 installment payments to Cohen because they misunderstood what entity should be responsible for Trump's personal expenses, but once it was clarified, Trump's personal account was used.

JRR_Guernsey ,
@JRR_Guernsey@toot.wales avatar

@GottaLaff
How is the prosecution going to argue that Trump personally is subject to Business Records legislation?
It seems the Trump Org would commit an offence if it mischaracterised legal fees but Trump personally is not obliged to maintain any accounting records

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

112/ I'll start a new thread after their lunch break.

Crowjane ,
@Crowjane@mastodon.sdf.org avatar

@GottaLaff
Thank you for your posting. It is greatly appreciated.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

@Crowjane YVW

Edelruth ,
@Edelruth@mastodon.online avatar

@GottaLaff

NFL

The important bellwether there is, I believe, Alina Habba.

Edelruth ,
@Edelruth@mastodon.online avatar

@GottaLaff

NFL

Note, this is the firm where the monies to Cohen are descr6as reimbursement. I would have thought Trump's lawyers would try to deep six that form, not highlight it

darwinwoodka ,
@darwinwoodka@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL this is something we really need to crack down on with all of the richie riches, their personal expenses should NOT be allowed to be paid from company bank accounts. They seriously need to have their own bank accounts and end this constant grifting.

oreoteeth ,
@oreoteeth@jawns.club avatar

@GottaLaff NFL I'm confused as to why the confusion about personal expenses is part of the defense strategy. Shouldn't a reputable business have always known that the owner's personal expenses are paid personally by the owner and his/her own personal account?

cavalierbob ,

@GottaLaff

NFL IAMNAL but I just looked it up and apparently while retainer agreements can be verbal, NY law requires an engagement letter before or within a reasonable time after the commencing representation, outlining services be provided, fees, and the clients right to arbitration.

Wonder if there is an engagement letter for this representation from Cohen?

Source: https://search.arc.net/F5UGmRguqy2In1uE6lZD

SueDiOh ,

@GottaLaff NFL gee, a guy who cant keep his family business straight - I know! Let's let him run the country!!! smdh

Lizette603_23 ,
@Lizette603_23@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL the only descriptive about anything associated with the orange pustule with which I concur is "chaotic". Mental illness does often bring this quality into the patient's behaviors ...or....FOR LAFFY behaviours hee hee hee must acclimate!

wesdym ,
@wesdym@mastodon.social avatar

In any situation, always be conscious of which way resources are flowing, and their relative importance. I don't really need a bagel, but you do need the money I'm paying for it. At the same time, I'd like that bagel to be tasty and edible. And I also want to be liked. That balance of priorities is the practical undercarriage of common decency in commerce; manners are just an elaboration. But every interaction involves resources moving, usually passing each other. Don't forget that.

Edelruth ,
@Edelruth@mastodon.online avatar

@GottaLaff

NFL

Geez, I wo Derek who is doing that for him now.

I refuse to believe that 50%-ish of voters have positive views of him, and are contemplating voting for him.

DaPickle ,
@DaPickle@mastodon.sdf.org avatar

@GottaLaff
NFL there is zero percent chance this guy doesn’t know what “grossed up” means. That is basic accounting and a simple term every accountant, money manager, and business owner learn on day one.
Ridiculous answer shows he is still being controlled by the #nodfarter

Edelruth ,
@Edelruth@mastodon.online avatar

@GottaLaff

NFL

I know what "grossed up" means. Lying sack witness to say he does not, when he is an accountant.

Ponygirl ,
@Ponygirl@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff Yes, but does she resemble Melania?

mrbruno ,
@mrbruno@mstdn.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL - I imagine the checks and books don't say "illegal payments" either. But with #BigMassiveDumps you can never tell!

Edelruth ,
@Edelruth@mastodon.online avatar

@GottaLaff

NFL

So, Trump set up this complicated scheme to hide the fact that he was reimbursing Cohen by making it appear that he was paying Cohen, and then blew the gaff by declaring the reimbursement on his OGE conflicts of interest form?

"In the interests of transparency, while not required to be disclosed ..."

Why did he do that? Bizarre, no?

msbellows ,
@msbellows@c.im avatar

@GottaLaff A government ethics form requiring Trump to disclose "spouse's accents" almost might not be a typo.

5klp471 ,
@5klp471@4bear.com avatar

@GottaLaff
NFL - Everyone has a sob story.

poe1178 ,
@poe1178@mastodon.world avatar

@GottaLaff Probably not as many as this year will have 😎

bhawthorne ,
@bhawthorne@infosec.exchange avatar

@GottaLaff
NotForLaffy
This is how jury trials are supposed to be argued. By explaining the evidence so that the jury can understand it. Well done, prosecution.

MsMissy ,
@MsMissy@mastodon.world avatar

@GottaLaff NFL
That $130,000 got kind of expensive there.

krakalak ,
@krakalak@twit.social avatar

@GottaLaff No WompWomp for that one?

iuculano ,
@iuculano@masto.ai avatar

@GottaLaff

IMO, the smoking gun, right here

deborahh ,
@deborahh@mstdn.ca avatar

@GottaLaff NFL anyone know what Red Finch is?

JeanPoole_AZ ,
@JeanPoole_AZ@mastodon.social avatar
GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar
martinicat ,
@martinicat@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL doesn’t this mean… I know it’s not at issue in the trial … but doesn’t this mean that DJ T didn’t even come close to divesting control of his organization during the time he was president?🍸😿 because I thought I had a vague inkling that he had promised to do something like that, put it in trust or something.🍸🐈

bkahn ,
@bkahn@mstdn.science avatar

@GottaLaff
NFL
This may be 'just' a paper trail, but it sure looks like a trail with teeth to me. Bite 'em!

solownh ,
@solownh@mstdn.party avatar

@GottaLaff

NFL: A casual, unremarkable tax evasion scheme... it's almost as if this happened frequently...

iuculano ,
@iuculano@masto.ai avatar

@GottaLaff

Here's an image of the document referenced

trainman ,
@trainman@sfba.social avatar

@GottaLaff I fear this will be lost on the jury. Too much complexity and repetition is what acquitted Simpson.

tdwllms1 ,
@tdwllms1@mstdn.social avatar

@GottaLaff

NFL...

"Now, actually throw him in jail the next time he violates the gag order."

yes.. even if just for the day during court hours...

Pinchy63 ,
@Pinchy63@mstdn.ca avatar

@GottaLaff
It’s funny how consequences will help make a person correct their behaviours. Too bad no one has tried this with Trump. He won’t stop until he’s held responsible

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

@Pinchy63 He's had consequences. Fines. Now please read my last 2 boost posts.

JaneDoeTheFirst ,
@JaneDoeTheFirst@zeroes.ca avatar

@GottaLaff @Pinchy63

I love Justice Merchan's canny reasoning: the fines won't stop Trump so his hands are tied. At some point he will be forced to jail Trump because the other is not working and he has, according to NY law, no other option. Brilliant.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

@JaneDoeTheFirst I really appreciate your posts on this. @Pinchy63

JaneDoeTheFirst ,
@JaneDoeTheFirst@zeroes.ca avatar

@GottaLaff @Pinchy63

De nada. I'm no apologist as I have no faith, but I do depend on his (or any judge's) reasoning. And that reasoning is pretty well genius! He's outsmarting their strategy.

I really appreciate your grit in keeping things going and on track. And the first rate and solid info! Thanks!

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

@JaneDoeTheFirst So much gratitude for all of that. @Pinchy63

msbellows ,
@msbellows@c.im avatar

@GottaLaff @JaneDoeTheFirst @Pinchy63 I agree that the judge is handling this correctly so far. https://c.im/@msbellows/112395230913381065

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar
ccdudley85 ,
@ccdudley85@mastodon.world avatar

@GottaLaff NFLhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F2HH7J-Sx80

TCatInReality ,
@TCatInReality@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff
NFL

JFC, Trump ran his company on 30-year-old accounting software? 😂

Grant_M ,
@Grant_M@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL I ❤️ Laffy

NorCalWineLady ,
@NorCalWineLady@sfba.social avatar

@GottaLaff
NFL, Ooops, used a # earlier. Sorry.

RubyTuesdayDONO ,
@RubyTuesdayDONO@mastodon.social avatar

or, y'know, don't tag Laffy, y'all. you can edit (delete!) the pre-populated reply tag — like this message! — if your response isn't really for OP. show consideration for others' attention 💖

mister_shade02X2 ,
@mister_shade02X2@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL. Trump probably sleeps through these proceedings because he believes he is above the law. I hope he’s wrong.

ClassyT ,
@ClassyT@sfba.social avatar

@GottaLaff HMM…SLEEPFARTICUS VON SHITZINPANTS IS NODDING OFF AGAIN!

CuriousMagpie ,
@CuriousMagpie@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL
You know that his team will be meeting tonight to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of Trump going to jail. They may encourage him if they think it will forward his chances of winning the election.

housepanther ,
@housepanther@goblackcat.social avatar

@GottaLaff I think Trump will be dumb and impulsive enough to press that big red button. Let's see if Merchan follows through with his threat of jail.

ralph058 ,
@ralph058@mstdn.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL Been there, done that. When I asked if I thought the manager was prejudice, I said, "He is an equal opportunity asshole." I got chastised. In hindsight, I would have said "jerk"

darwinwoodka ,
@darwinwoodka@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL yeah, all the proxies attacking the court for him now with their little attack pieces. Disgusting little shills.

solownh ,
@solownh@mstdn.party avatar

@GottaLaff

NFL: Confused on purpose to make himself the victim

kristen_d ,
@kristen_d@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff That he only mentions the elephant now shows he’s stalling as much as he can for Trump. Sorry but it’s so fucking obvious…

caseyjonesed ,
@caseyjonesed@awscommunity.social avatar

@GottaLaff Thanks for covering this so thoroughly.
The media gives very few specific details and more how Trump reacts. That’s incredibly annoying on their part

mloxton ,
@mloxton@med-mastodon.com avatar

@GottaLaff

NFT

Good chance that McSleepo will doze off a few times today

NorCalWineLady ,
@NorCalWineLady@sfba.social avatar

@GottaLaff
#NFL chuckle at your "debatable" comment.

gfjacobs ,
@gfjacobs@mstdn.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL Laffy commenting makes me want to reply to her, but nfl is as nfl does

stacey_campbell ,
@stacey_campbell@aus.social avatar

@GottaLaff I wonder what the Habitual Line Stepper will do? Hmmm.

NFL

DRBLD2009 ,

@GottaLaff Enough talk either do it or shut the Fuck Up, Trump is playing you.

WmShakesp3are ,
@WmShakesp3are@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff (NFL) and this time they really really really mean it. I’m seriously serious.

samhkennedy ,
@samhkennedy@aus.social avatar

@GottaLaff #NFL I’m guessing he hasn’t got any choice.

tdwllms1 ,
@tdwllms1@mstdn.social avatar

@GottaLaff

NFL...

"and possibly the next president as well.”

Merchan would find himself directly in the crosshairs and likely be removed from the bench via presidential directive. and very likely... end up imprisoned... or worse yet dead.

pthenq1 ,
@pthenq1@mastodon.la avatar

"7/ Phang sobre el desprecio:

Merchan se dirige directamente a Trump sobre sus continuas violaciones de #GagOrder
"Parece que las 1.000 multas no sirven como elemento disuasivo."
"Lo último que quiero hacer es meterte en la cárcel. Usted es el ex presidente de los Estados Unidos y posiblemente también el próximo presidente”.
"Hay muchas razones por las que el encarcelamiento es verdaderamente un último recurso para usted".
"Dar ese paso sería perturbador del proceso"
"Pero al final del día, tengo un trabajo que hacer"."

@GottaLaff

HolgerFiallo ,
@HolgerFiallo@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff Trump will not going to jail. The judge has no credibility, He should had told him from the beginning. Trump does whatever he wants because no one told him no.

tdwllms1 ,
@tdwllms1@mstdn.social avatar

@GottaLaff

NFL...

MLB, NCAA, NHL, NBA...

"Your continued willful violations constitute a direct attack on the rule of law."

Awww, Mr. "Law and Order" feeling what that actually means... consequences....
that should really stir the hornets nest.... 😂
Jail the MoFo...

IveyJanette ,
@IveyJanette@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL Put his ass in jail.

darwinwoodka ,
@darwinwoodka@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL please all parents, control your toddlers before it gets to this point. 77 years old and the man is still a fucking child.

elronxenu ,
@elronxenu@mastodon.cloud avatar

@GottaLaff NFL I can feel the flames coming out of the judge's fingers.

ClassyT ,
@ClassyT@sfba.social avatar

@GottaLaff HMM…THE POOR EDUCATED WILL GIVE THEIR LAST 5 DOLLARS TO PAY THIS. 🤦🏾‍♀️

TimWardCam ,
@TimWardCam@c.im avatar

@GottaLaff Yeah yeah, if you say to the child, time after time, "next time you do that I'll smack you", but the smack is never forthcoming, what sort of disincentive is that?

KanaMauna ,
@KanaMauna@sauropods.win avatar

@GottaLaff
I wish somebody would give me 10 passes.

me_valentijn ,
@me_valentijn@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff NFL

Sounds like the prosecution hasn't noticed the attack on the judge's daughter in a video Trump reposted 😐

ClassyT ,
@ClassyT@sfba.social avatar

@GottaLaff LOCK HIM UP!

TCatInReality ,
@TCatInReality@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff
NFL

I appreciate this isn't a verbatim transcript, so I hope it's in there. But, mentioning Trump's past and future job is completely irrelevant to the cause of justice and should have no bearing on the decision to jail. I hope Marchan stated that clearly.

18+ tlariv ,
@tlariv@mastodon.cloud avatar

@GottaLaff
A reminder of what a US court thought was good enough for Bobby Seale.

anne_twain ,
@anne_twain@theblower.au avatar

@GottaLaff So, the judge is biased? Because he's a former President?

Americans really need to get a tad more cynical about their Head of State. They're an ordinary human being, not a gift from god.

DadeMurphy ,
@DadeMurphy@moth.social avatar

@GottaLaff a prime example of what’s wrong with the legal system. Anyone else would’ve already been thrown in jail, but because of his past position, he gets a pass.

So, I guess the law only applies to people without political ties that could possibly have you removed from the bench.

Meema1616 ,
@Meema1616@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff Why would the judge treat this man to a lower more cautious form of law from ANYONE else? He should, because of what he’s been and what he aims for again, be held to a higher standard!! Are we as ordinary citizens who actually pay politicians salaries punished because we’re ordinary???

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

@Meema1616 Because he's the first one running for president while being tried, so 1A issues can be challenged, and the case can be thrown out.

capnthommo ,
@capnthommo@c.im avatar

@GottaLaff if he keeps threatening and never doing trump is going to conclude the threats are empty. And this is going to bring the system into disrepute.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

@capnthommo Who says they're empty threats?

The DOJ is the one who has to call for imprisonment. So far, they've asked for fines. The last set was part of the first one because Trump's remarks came BEFORE the "threat" from the judge.

Now he's been warned about any NEW ones.

So let's see what happens. Imprisonment is unlikely, but maybe being held in a court building room..? Or as Weissmann suggested, all imprisonment at end of trial.

18+ AlgoCompSynth ,
@AlgoCompSynth@universeodon.com avatar

@GottaLaff Predictable and sad. Me, I'd sequester the jury in a five star hotel and send the bill to Trump. Remember, he's a billionaire - he can afford it.

Eddiethebulldog ,

@GottaLaff NFL - he’s clearly saying “that’s strike two, bub”. One in print (his first finding) and now verbal. Next time, you’re out.

xinit ,
@xinit@mastodon.coffee avatar

@GottaLaff "will have to consider" is too soft to get through Trump's skull. It's going to have to be "this is the last time this court will sentence you to pennies for your contempt. Next time you will enjoy the facilities at Riker's"

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

@xinit He can't say that unless he knows he'll follow thru. He may not put him in Riker's. There could be a room in the court house that he could isolate him in.

This judge is smart and careful. We're not him. He knows he can get overturned/mistrial and then Trump would never be found guilty.

xinit ,
@xinit@mastodon.coffee avatar

@GottaLaff my first thought was that it sounds like (in the text, which is hard) he's a soft parent using weasel words like "might have to consider" with a petulant child.

I hope he really is able to follow through, but the idea of having to spend all day Wednesday or over a weekend in a Riker's dorm amuses me.

Thanks for ensuring the courtroom for those of us with less patience :D

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

@xinit 👍🏼

tinkb333 ,
@tinkb333@dice.camp avatar

@GottaLaff NFL none of us would be shown the same courtesy. We'd have been jailed already.

DRBLD2009 ,

@GottaLaff In other words this Judge is very afraid of Trump so he won't put him in jail, someone with actuall balls pls step forward.

JaneDoeTheFirst ,
@JaneDoeTheFirst@zeroes.ca avatar

@DRBLD2009 @GottaLaff

NFL It's hard not to be impatient. I think Justice Merchan is a thoughtful judge who considers the repercussions of his decisions. He has a lot of balls to juggle. So far, he seems to be steeping this orange frog in warm water, until it boils. Ha!

BlueWaver22 ,
@BlueWaver22@genomic.social avatar

@JaneDoeTheFirst @DRBLD2009 @GottaLaff NF Weissman talked Friday about what a measured judge he is and how he's not a yeller, etc but commands respect because he earns it. He said it's one of the most well run courtrooms and courtroom staffs he's seen in all his years and he said it's clear the staff takes their lead from Judge Merchan.

GottaLaff OP ,
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social avatar

@DRBLD2009 Hardly. Read my past 2 boost posts

RodneyPetersonTalent ,
@RodneyPetersonTalent@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff

“You are the former ILLEGITIMATE President of the United States and according to Jeffery Katzenberg, who has known you for 50 years, a colossal asshole. Bailiff, take the putrid sack of feces away. General population, Rikers.”

12thRITS ,
@12thRITS@mstdn.social avatar

@GottaLaff
The indispensable Laffy doing her thing today

ReedsDad ,
@ReedsDad@mastodon.social avatar

@GottaLaff. NFL, that's exactly what Trump wants, jail time. So he can milk more sucker's out of their money. He will say, "I'm in jail for you!" We are living in the dumbest of times.

JaneDoeTheFirst ,
@JaneDoeTheFirst@zeroes.ca avatar

@ReedsDad @GottaLaff

NFL Trump wants jail time? Give it to him. It's about time.

Take away his phone and his bronzer and stick him in stripes.

RoLarenRED57 ,
@RoLarenRED57@universeodon.com avatar

@JaneDoeTheFirst @ReedsDad @GottaLaff NFL If Merchan really wanted to hurt Trump in the fee fees, he’d order the “press access” area removed, and also order Trump be whisked in and out with no more mini-campaign rallies. Trump can pay for his own security near Trump Tower or his NJ property.

He could call them whistle stops but I prefer Schitzen’ Stops, obv

JaneDoeTheFirst ,
@JaneDoeTheFirst@zeroes.ca avatar

@RoLarenRED57 @ReedsDad @GottaLaff

NFL I think that would be an intrusion into Trump's electioneering.

Justice Merchan is smart and persistent in separating the trial from the campaign by giving Trump a space to mouth off (also shows Merchan is not interfering). Trump then can't argue there was obstruction on appeal, that the judge was politically motivated.

jmccabe ,
@jmccabe@mastodon.social avatar

@JaneDoeTheFirst @RoLarenRED57 @ReedsDad @GottaLaff

I hate being the adult here... I understand the ramifications of holding VSIP(*) to account, but it's hard to see him slide by each and every time.

(*) - VonShitsInPants

JaneDoeTheFirst ,
@JaneDoeTheFirst@zeroes.ca avatar

@jmccabe @RoLarenRED57 @ReedsDad @GottaLaff

NFL No kidding! I am totally with you! However I see method in Merchan's 'madness'. It's not faith in the judge (I no longer have faith in any judge), as much as clear evidence of progressive boiling and the judge's reasoning.

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