Photo: Screen capture
Judge Juan Merchan cleared his courtroom on Monday as a defense witness' behavior sent Donald Trump's hush money trial into chaos.
The former attorney of the prosecution's star witness Michael Cohen was one of the first up to answer questions from the defense team. Trump is on trial for falsifying business records to cover up a hush money deal for an alleged affair.
Calling the witness, Robert Costello, caused protest as prosecutors objected and demanded a sidebar conversation with the judge
As the attorneys approached Merchan's bench, and Costello could be heard muttering, "This is ridiculous," reported News National reporter Libby Dean.
It was not something Judge Merchan was happy about, CNN's Kaitlan Collins posted on X.
Other questions drew other objections. Costello could be heard on the microphone saying, "Jeez" and rolling his eye.
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That sent Merchan into a fury.
"Mr Costello, I'd like to discuss proper decorum in my courtroom," Merchan began. "As a witness on the stand, if you don't like my ruling, you don't say jeez, and you don't say strike it, because I'm the only one who can do that. You don't give me side eye or roll your eyes."
Merchan then ordered, "Clear the courtroom!"
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