New development in Trump's 'hush money' trial! Hulk Hogan's name also comes up...

The trial of former US President Donald Trump, who is accused of paying "hush money" to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election, continued at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York.

In the 10th hearing of the case, prosecutors brought up the gag order that Trump had previously violated 9 times, for which he was fined 9 thousand dollars. Prosecutor Chris Conroy emphasized that Trump has violated the order again with 4 comments made since last Monday, two of which were about his former lawyer Michael Cohen, and the others about the jury panel and former National Enquirer magazine executive David Pecker. While it was requested that Trump be fined one thousand dollars for each violation, no prison sentence was sought.

"NOT HUSH MONEY, BUT A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT"

The hearing also continued with the testimony of Attorney Keith Davidson, who represented Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal in their negotiations with the magazine National Enquirer, which is at the center of the case. Confirming that Daniels signed a non-disclosure agreement with Trump regarding the affair allegations, Davidson stated that he could not define this payment as "hush money." Davidson said that this was considered a "mutual settlement agreement."

BLACKMAIL ALLEGATION FROM TRUMP'S LAWYER

Trump's lawyer Emil Bove argued that the "hush money" payment at the center of the case constituted blackmail, citing allegations that Davidson also tried to purchase private information of celebrities such as former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, actor Charlie Sheen, and TV star Tila Tequila for money. Davidson denied the allegation that he committed blackmail.

Trump argued that the gag order prevented him from testifying

Making a statement after the hearing concluded, Trump argued that the gag order against him prevented him from testifying. "I'm not allowed to testify. Because this judge, who is totally against me, has me under an unconstitutional gag order," said Trump, adding, "So I am being prevented from testifying because of an unconstitutional gag order." The court is expected to continue tomorrow with the testimony of digital evidence analyst Douglas Daus regarding data obtained from the phone of Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen.

COULD FACE UP TO 4 YEARS IN PRISON

In the case, also known publicly as the "hush money" trial, Trump is accused of paying "hush money" to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election and falsifying official records to cover up the payment. The trial, which is significant as it marks the first time in US history that a former US President has been tried in a criminal case, could result in Trump facing up to 4 years in prison.