Curiouser And Curiouser

While Necheles did leave her seat, she came back once the trial convened, and this time, she had company: former SDNY prosecutor Todd Blanche, who represents Trump in 3 of his 4 criminal cases, including the Manhattan DA’s case in which Necheles is also counsel. 3/

— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) January 22, 2024

Did they show up to hear Trump testify? Or to see how Kaplan handled objections and shut him down?

But no one was anticipating the case to close today; putting Trump aside, there are still two expected witnesses. 5/

— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) January 22, 2024

Rulings by trial courts are not precedential, but courts tend to follow courts in handling witnesses, especially the same parties in different courtrooms.

So my guess is that Necheles and Blanche were, in fact, there to see Trump testify. And that’s the best sign to date that he was not bluffing, as I and so many others predicted. Watch this space. 6/

— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) January 22, 2024

Trump won't so much testify as be challenged to present testimony relevant to the proceedings. As I said, he can't offer opinions on Carroll's damages, and I don't think Kaplan will let him pontificate or rant. Aside from the questions his attorney will put to him that will be disallowed. And since cross-examination is limited to topics raised in direct, there may not be much to see at all.

Except how and why the judges shuts Trump down.  Maybe they want material to use to tell Trump to stay off the stand in the criminal cases.  Because yes, at this point, I think Trump is that stupid (and would waive the 5th).