Furious Judge Clears Courtroom Over Behavior Of Trump Defense Witness: “Don’t Roll Your Eyes At Me”

Axios reports:

The judge overseeing former President Trump’s New York hush money trial admonished defense witness Robert Costello Monday for his reactions while on the stand. It was one of the most dramatic moments of the ongoing Trump criminal trial, which is now in its sixth week, and led the judge to temporarily clear the courtroom.

“I want to discuss proper decorum in my courtroom,” Judge Juan Merchan said to Costello, per the New York Times. Costello, a lawyer, was once Michael Cohen’s legal adviser. “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 strike testimony in court,” Merchan said.

CNN reports:

Judge Juan Merchan has asked to “take a minute” and told the jury to step out. “Mr. Costello you’re to remain seated,” the judge told witness in a raised voice. After another sustained objection, witness Robert Costello rolled his eyes and let out an audible sigh side, glancing at Merchan.

“I want to discuss proper decorum in my courtroom,” the judge says. Merchan also said, “You don’t give me a side eye and you don’t roll your eyes.”

“When there’s a witness on the stand, if you don’t like my ruling, you don’t say ‘jeez,’ you don’t say strike it,” Merchan says. Then Costello held a long glare at the judge. “Are you staring me down?” Merchan said.

President Trump called Judge Merchan a tyrant following Merchan’s deranged treatment of Bob Costello, who testified that Michael Cohen had “nothing on Trump.” pic.twitter.com/yDCWJMXxiP

— Charles R Downs (@TheCharlesDowns) May 20, 2024