Former FEC Chairman Banned from Sharing Facts in Trump Trial by Judge

The New York judge overseeing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case against former President Donald Trump has limited the testimony of a key defense witness. Bragg alleges that Trump violated the Federal Election Campaign Act by paying Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an affair. Judge Juan Merchan, a supporter of Trump’s political opponent, has sided with Bragg and restricted the testimony of former FEC Chairman Bradley Smith. Smith, an expert in campaign finance laws, could have shed light on why Trump was not charged by the FEC or DOJ for the alleged violation. However, Merchan prevented Smith from discussing this, only allowing him to provide general background information on campaign finance laws. This decision by Merchan has been seen as a way to hinder Trump’s defense and further Democrats’ legal strategy.