Former President Donald Trump has undergone three days of testimony in a trial surrounding allegations that he paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels to remain silent about an alleged affair, thus potentially influencing the election process. The trial, which began with Trump being fined $9,000 for violating a gag order, is taking place amidst significant public and media attention.

A pivotal piece of evidence presented during the proceedings was an audio recording in which Trump and his former attorney, Michael Cohen, discuss a plan to prevent former Playboy model Karen McDougal from going public about her story. In the recording, Trump comments negatively about their actions.

Hope Hicks, a former aide to Trump, also testified during the trial. She provided insights into Trump’s response to the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape, as well as the nature of Cohen’s payments to Daniels.

Michael Cohen, although not yet having testified, is a central figure in the case. His involvement in the negotiation and arrangement of the payments has been repeatedly highlighted through various testimonies.

The trial continues to delve into the strategies employed to suppress damaging narratives during the election campaign, exposing the complex relationships and motives involved in the high-stakes political sphere.