This week, while defense witness Robert Costello began the Manhattan hush-money case against former President Donald Trump, Judge Juan Merchan cleared the courtroom.
The defense side brought in Costello, a lawyer who had previously counseled Michael Cohen, the main prosecution witness and former Trump attorney, to throw doubt on Cohen’s evidence. However, as the trial went on, Merchan seemed to grow tired of Costello’s manner.
According to CNN’s Jake Tapper, “What is going on is that Costello is actually expressing disdain for Judge Merchan’s judgment.” Tapper detailed the situation on Monday afternoon. Costello shakes his head, appearing irritated that Merchan upheld the prosecution’s objection to one of the questions. Merchan ordered the attorneys to come to the bench when the prosecution protested once more, prompting Costello to yell, “Ridiculous!” into the microphone. Later on, when there was still another valid issue, Costello exclaimed, “Jesus!”
Tapper continued by saying that Merchan had reprimanded Costello and then ordered the courtroom to be vacated, indicating that he was very furious with him at that point.
When Costello instructed the jurors to leave, he said, “Mr. Costello, you are to remain seated,” raising his voice. The jury adjourns, and following another persistent objection, Costello rolls his eyes, emits a loud sigh, and gives the judge a sidelong glance. “I want to address basic etiquette in my courtroom,” the judge declares. “You do not roll your eyes or give me the side eye,” the court orders. You do not say “geez,” “strike it,” or anything like that if you disagree with my decision. Costello looks at the judge intently. Is the judge giving me a downward stare? The judge then orders, “Clear the courtroom.”
Costello allegedly questioned Cohen’s testimony, but if CNN legal commentator Elie Honig is correct, Cohen may have already embarrassed himself by confessing in court to stealing almost $60,000 while working for Trump. Honig repeatedly emphasized that stealing that much was, in fact, a more serious offense than the accusations brought against Trump.
