Good morning, and welcome to The Epoch Times News Brief for Tuesday, May 7, 2024. I’m Bill Thomas, and today, we’re covering former President Donald Trump, who is back in the news with potential jail time looming in his trial. Also, former Fulton County special prosecutor Nathan Wade speaks out about his relationship with District Attorney Fani Willis. And, Chris Cuomo reveals health issues following his COVID-19 vaccination. Stick around as we dive into all the important stories.
Judge Threatens to Jail Trump, Finds Him in Contempt of Court
Judge Juan Merchan has found President Trump in contempt of court, marking the tenth such time. The judge told the former president yesterday, “Going forward this court will have to consider a jail sanction.”Judge Merchan, who is overseeing President Trump’s “hush-money” trial in Manhattan, New York, said to the former president, “Mr. Trump, it’s important you understand the last thing I want to do is put you in jail.” He also said that President Trump’s “continued willful violations of this court’s lawful order” are a “direct attack on the rule of law.”
Prosecutors claim President Trump’s recent comments to reporters outside the Manhattan court violated the judge’s gag order, which prohibits him from speaking about certain individuals related to the case. President Trump is accused of falsifying business records to cover up payments that were made during the 2016 election, which he denies were illegal.
The judge said that the former president had violated the gag order for remarks he gave to a media company, “Just the News”, on April 22 about the jury-selection process. President Trump said that the jury was “picked so fast” and suggested that “95 percent” of them are Democrats.
President Trump has previously been fined $9,000 and warned of possible jail time. But the gag order doesn’t stop him from talking about the allegations against him or commenting on the judge or the elected top prosecutor.
As the trial enters its third week, all eyes are on Michael Cohen, one of the prosecutors’ star witnesses. Mr. Cohen is expected to face a cross-examination from defense attorneys seeking to undermine his credibility with jurors.
Recently, former White House official Hope Hicks testified, supporting President Trump’s defense that he acted to protect his reputation and his family.
The case is one of four legal battles the former president is facing, and it may possibly be the only one that will reach trial before the November election.
Witness Says Trump Did Not Personally Ask Him to Carry Out ‘Hush Money’ Payments
In President Trump’s New York “hush money” trial, witness Jeffrey McConney, who was the Trump Organization’s former controller, confirmed that payments made to President Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen were legal expenses.He also said that neither President Trump nor Trump Organization official Allen Weisselberg instructed him to log the payments as legal expenses. Mr. McConney emphasized that his interactions with Mr. Cohen were “minimal” and that he never spoke to him about the reimbursement arrangement.
The defense argued that the payments were legitimate legal expenses, while prosecutors claimed they were an attempt to hide the true nature of the payments during an election.
Mr. McConney said in court yesterday that he did not know if Mr. Cohen did legal work for President Trump in 2017 and clarified that the former president did not personally ask him to carry out any tasks.
Additionally, Mr. McConney testified that the 1099 tax forms for the payments in 2017 were disclosed to the IRS, but he did not know how Mr. Cohen accounted for the payments on his personal taxes.
The trial proceeded without Mr. Weisselberg’s testimony, as he is currently serving a sentence for perjury in an unrelated case.
Ex-Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade Speaks Out After Leaving Trump Case
Former Fulton County special prosecutor Nathan Wade recently addressed his relationship with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who’s leading the prosecution against President Trump.Mr. Wade departed from his position after Judge Scott McAfee mandated the removal of either him or Ms. Willis.
In an interview with ABC News on Sunday, Mr. Wade said, “Workplace romances are as American as apple pie.” He also said that “it happens to everyone.”
When asked if he regretted the relationship, Mr. Wade replied: “I regret that that private matter became the focal point of this very important prosecution.” He said that “this is a very important case.”
In the interview, Mr. Wade was asked by the ABC News reporter if he thought to pause their relationship while the case plays out. He said he did but added, “The feelings [were] so strong.”
President Trump’s legal team has argued that Ms. Willis should be taken off the case.
Among the defendants, four have pleaded guilty, while President Trump and 14 others maintain their innocence. A trial date is yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, a state Senate committee is probing Ms. Willis’s decision to hire Mr. Wade.
Ashleigh Merchant, the lawyer who initiated the effort to remove Ms. Willis, has also claimed that Mr. Wade’s hiring by the district attorney’s office violated a state law that required approval of the hiring of a special prosecutor by the county commission.
Ex-CNN Host Chris Cuomo Reveals COVID Vaccine Injury: ‘I’m Sick Myself’
During his TV program on NewsNation, former CNN host Chris Cuomo revealed that he’s suffering from a health condition after he received a COVID-19 vaccine.Mr. Cuomo shared this during an interview with nurse practitioner Shaun Barcavage, who also claims to have faced vaccine-related challenges with little help or recognition from federal health agencies. He didn’t say much about his symptoms or specify which vaccine he received, but he did offer to connect Mr. Barcavage with his doctor.
Some other notable personalities like Elon Musk and Megyn Kelly have also spoken about negative reactions to COVID-19 vaccines. Mr. Musk revealed that a third shot nearly led to his hospitalization, while Ms. Kelly expressed regret over vaccination, believing it contributed to an autoimmune issue.
There is growing evidence linking COVID-19 vaccine side effects to various health problems, including skin issues, tinnitus, visual impairments, blood clotting, and even death. Despite these concerns, the CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for all age groups.
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Finally, as we do each and every day on the News Brief program, we wrap things up with a very “notable” quote:
Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “If life were predictable, it would cease to be life and be without flavor.”
Add some flavor to your life today—try some cinnamon, garlic, sesame, or maybe coriander. Every now and again, you got to spice things up just a bit—change is good!
For all of us here at The Epoch Times News Brief, I’m Bill Thomas, thanks for being here today and we’ll see you right back here tomorrow for another edition of The Epoch Times News Brief. Have an awesome day, today.
