Judge Juan Merchan ruled Monday that prosecutors cannot introduce evidence showing Donald Trump's wife, Melania, was pregnant when he allegedly cheated on her with a Playboy model.
The ruling came on the first day of a trial in which Trump is accused of falsifying business records to cover up an alleged affair with adult movie actress Stormy Daniels.
Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass told Merchan that former Playboy model Karen McDougal may testify that Melania was pregnant during Trump's purported affair with her. Trump's charges don't involve McDougal, but the prosecution is alleging similar payments made to her show a pattern of behavior, and she is expected to give evidence.
ALSO READ: Secret letter: FBI must accelerate arrest of violent J6ers or risk time expiring
"Steinglass is seeking to establish that McDougal is a former Playboy model that claimed to have a yearlong romantic and sexual relationship while Trump's wife is pregnant," Lawfare editor Tyler McBrien pointed out.
"They want to discuss her allegation she had an affair with Trump while Melania was pregnant with Barron without getting too graphic," reporter Henry Rosoff noted. "Judge says she may testify BUT must leave out pregnancy."
"I think it is prejudicial to say these acts [with McDougal] happened while his wife was pregnant, and after. For now, no," Inner City Press said, quoting the judge.
Recommended Links:
- Trump posts bizarre video of Melania showing affection after being 'hostage' at fundraiser
- Trump's 'protect Melania' hush money defense flattened by prosecutor
- Trump judge snaps as lawyer cites Melania's mother's death as reason for delay
- How a billionaire's privilege is taking down our republic
- 'He is a bad person': Trump snaps at E. Jean Carroll judge for not delaying new trial