Former President Donald J. Trump appeared alternately irritable and exhausted Monday morning as his lawyers and attorneys presented a pretrial hearing before jury selection in his criminal case.
Even as a judge was hearing arguments on closing issues in a criminal case centered on a criminal charge that threatened to elevate his bid for the presidency, Mr. on his chest.
The former president's lead lawyer, Todd Blanch, said Mr. Trump passed the notes to him for several minutes before waking up and noticing them.
At other times, Mr. Trump whispered, Mr. He exchanged notes with Blanche. He sat motionless as his own words from the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape – in which he bragged about grabbing women's genitalia – were read from a transcript by a lawyer.
Sometimes, Mr. The judge in the case, Juan M. Mercen, who did not readily admit that he might miss court to attend the graduation of his youngest son, the baron, was laughed at, mocked, and frustrated.
But if the investigation is interrupted, Mr. When Judge Merchan warned that Trump could be deported or jailed, the former president indicated that he understood.
Mr. Trump only showed a flash of humor when he laughed at one of his own social media posts, which his former editor Michael D. hit Cohen, who is expected to be a central witness in the prosecution.
