Key takeaways:
- Former President Donald Trump made a virtual appearance in New York criminal court on Tuesday to hear the terms of a protective order barring him from publicly disclosing evidence.
- The setup, in which a defendant appears via live video feed instead of in person, is extraordinarily rare.
- Trump is accused of falsifying business records in relation to hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 16.
Former President Donald Trump made a virtual appearance in New York criminal court on Tuesday, his first since pleading not guilty last month to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The charges stem from an investigation into hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Trump appeared before Judge Juan Merchan on video to hear the terms of a protective order barring him from publicly disclosing evidence, which the Manhattan district attorney’s office will be turning over to his lawyers. The television-star-turned-president was joined by lawyer Todd Blanche, who appeared from Florida.
The setup, in which a defendant appears via live video feed instead of in person, is extraordinarily rare, and typically used for those who are hospitalized, according to court spokesperson Lucian Chalfen. Judge Merchan decided to hold Trump’s second hearing on felony charges this way to spare the city and court a repeat of the disruptive security operation that accompanied Trump’s in-person arraignment on April 4.
The former president is accused of falsifying business records in relation to hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. The Manhattan district attorney’s office is currently gathering evidence to present to Trump’s lawyers. The protective order issued by Judge Merchan prevents Trump from publicly disclosing any evidence related to the case.
Trump’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 16. It is unclear if the former president will appear in person or virtually.
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