Judge Juan Merchan became visibly angry during his questioning of defense witness Robert Costello as he appeared to question Merchan's authority.
Costello, who was lined up by Trump's defense team to attack the credibility of key prosecution witness Michael Cohen, continued to answer a series of questions even after Marchen accepted the prosecution's objection on Monday.
The judge instructed Costello, a former federal prosecutor, that he was not allowed to continue to answer after the objection was sustained. In the case of an objection, which was upheld, Costello then said "Jeesh" and rolled his eyes.
Merchan then ordered the jurors out of the courtroom and asked Costello, Trump's witness, to maintain proper decorum in his courtroom.When Costello continued to yell at the judge, Marchan angrily blurted out: "Are you staring at me?" He then cleared the courtroom with the help of forceful and cutting instructions from the court staff.
Court transcripts show Merchan declined to comment on his decisions and threatened to have Costello removed from the stand if he did not change his behavior.
Journalists and observers were allowed to re-enter the room after a few minutes and the interrogation continued.
Trump's lawyers have said they do not plan to call any more witnesses after Costello. Closing arguments are expected to take place on May 28.The state prosecutor's office in New York accused Trump of wanting to improve his chances of success in the 2016 presidential election by paying $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
The payment itself was not illegal. However, Trump is said to have falsified documents when reimbursing the amount to lawyer Michael Cohen to conceal the true reason for the transaction, making the payment illegal campaign financing.
Trump, who is campaigning for re-election as the Republican nominee in November, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.If found guilty, he may be sentenced to jail.
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Costello, who was lined up by Trump's defense team to attack the credibility of key prosecution witness Michael Cohen, continued to answer a series of questions even after Marchen accepted the prosecution's objection on Monday.
The judge instructed Costello, a former federal prosecutor, that he was not allowed to continue to answer after the objection was sustained. In the case of an objection, which was upheld, Costello then said "Jeesh" and rolled his eyes.
Merchan then ordered the jurors out of the courtroom and asked Costello, Trump's witness, to maintain proper decorum in his courtroom.When Costello continued to yell at the judge, Marchan angrily blurted out: "Are you staring at me?" He then cleared the courtroom with the help of forceful and cutting instructions from the court staff.
Court transcripts show Merchan declined to comment on his decisions and threatened to have Costello removed from the stand if he did not change his behavior.
Journalists and observers were allowed to re-enter the room after a few minutes and the interrogation continued.
Trump's lawyers have said they do not plan to call any more witnesses after Costello. Closing arguments are expected to take place on May 28.The state prosecutor's office in New York accused Trump of wanting to improve his chances of success in the 2016 presidential election by paying $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
The payment itself was not illegal. However, Trump is said to have falsified documents when reimbursing the amount to lawyer Michael Cohen to conceal the true reason for the transaction, making the payment illegal campaign financing.
Trump, who is campaigning for re-election as the Republican nominee in November, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.If found guilty, he may be sentenced to jail.
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