News about trial, Donald Trump

Juan M. Merchan — The judge presiding over the case. He was also the judge in the Trump Organization's tax fraud trial in 2022 and is overseeing a border wall fraud case against longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon. Merchan has twice denied requests by Trump's lawyers that he step aside from the case.

The storied history of the New York City courthouse where Trump now stands trial. 100 Centre Street has been the site of numerous famed trials over the years. In this Jan. 25, 2013, file photo, the Manhattan Criminal Court building is shown at 100 Centre St., in New York.

A historic trial The decision to fine Trump came as his criminal trial entered its third week. The former president faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to alleged hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who claims she and Trump had a sexual encounter.