Trump's second attempt for a mistrial in the hush money case is unsuccessful.

Trump's second motion for a mistrial in the hush money case is rejected, marking another legal setback for the former president in the ongoing legal proceedings related to payments made to silence women alleging extramarital affairs before the 2016 election.

Donald Trump's legal team's second attempt to secure a mistrial in the criminal hush money trial was denied by Judge Juan Merchan on Thursday. This decision followed a failed bid to relax Trump's gag order regarding Stormy Daniels' testimony, deemed irrelevant by defense attorney Todd Blanche. 

Despite Daniels' damaging testimony, prosecutors have reportedly dropped plans to call Karen McDougal to testify. Daniels, during cross-examination, reiterated the negative impact of discussing her alleged encounter with Trump, countering suggestions from Trump's attorney, Susan Necheles. 

The case revolves around a $130,000 payment made to Daniels by Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, before the 2016 election.

Necheles accused Daniels of breaking their agreement not to discuss her alleged encounter with Donald Trump despite receiving payment for her silence. Daniels rebutted, stating nobody would willingly disclose such information. 

Necheles further suggested Daniels was skilled at fabricating sexual stories, to which Daniels defended the authenticity of her experiences. After Daniels' testimony, prosecutors called Rebecca Manochio, a former assistant to ex-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg, and Tracey Menzies, a HarperCollins executive, to testify. 

Meanwhile, Senator Rick Scott criticized the judge's daughter and the wife of District Attorney Bragg, alleging political bias.

Source: CNBC