A short mid-week breather in the Trump trial, but picking up tomorrow w/ a new contempt hearing and the Stormy story. Looking forward to discussing on MSNBC w/ Ana Cabrera + guest my friend Kristy Greenberg at 10:25 AM ET.

We are done for the day. I feel for the prosecutor. I’ve been there when you’re not getting a key piece of information from the witness that you know he has. He was smart to move on and now he can take the day to regroup and come back to it fresh on Thursday.

And just like that the Trump defense team woke up and started objecting and the court sustained several objections. State cannot ask Stormy’s lawyer his understanding of how the deal would be funded without laying a foundation for his knowledge. His assumption isn’t admissible.

The prosecution has been asking leading questions, questions that call for speculation, and questions for which a proper foundation has not been laid. Yet there have been crickets from Trump’s defense. I’m shocked they haven’t been objecting.

Keith Davidson, attorney to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal who negotiated their hush money payments, is now on the stand.

The Court’s gag order decision makes clear that he is open to removing protection for Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels under the gag order if they target Trump. Translation: they should stop talking so that any future attacks by Trump are clearly unprovoked.

Don’t expect Michael Cohen to testify today. The State asked for rulings on certain evidence relating to Cohen by this Thursday.

The Court says it must “consider whether in some instances, jail may be a necessary punishment” and warns that if Trump continues to willfully violate lawful orders, the Court will impose jail if necessary and appropriate under the circumstances.

Judge Merchan found that Trump violated the gag order 9 times and has fined him a total of $9000. A slap on the wrist. He also ruled that Trump can go to his son’s graduation on 5/17, so no lengthy jail term is likely after Thursday’s hearing.

Back in lower Manhattan court for the Trump trial. Will provide updates throughout the day.

Thank you Jalen Brunson! Let’s go NEW YORK KNICKS!

This is why ⁦Charles Oakley⁩ will always be one of my favorite ⁦NEW YORK KNICKS⁩ players. Let’s go ⁦NEW YORK KNICKS⁩! #NYK #Knicks #NBAplayoffs si.com/nba/knicks/new…

Joining Chris Hayes tonight:
Harry Litman
Kristy Greenberg
Ret. Judge Diane Kiesel
Phillip C. Hamilton, Esq.
b-boy bouiebaisse
jelani cobb
#inners

When cross examining a witness, don’t ask a question you don’t know the answer to. Asking whether Karen McDougal was a legitimate celebrity at the time was a question too many and when Pecker said no, it backfired bigly.