In a significant development during Day 9 of former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial, the court heard testimony from Keith Davidson, a Los Angeles-based attorney who represented both Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Davidson detailed how he brokered deals to keep their alleged affairs with Trump out of the public eye.

Davidson testified that he interpreted these "catch-and-kill" schemes as a strategy to protect Trump from political liabilities. He revealed that his frustration grew as Trump's former fixer, Michael Cohen, repeatedly delayed paying Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Davidson suspected that Cohen's actions were an attempt to postpone the payment until after the election, potentially benefiting Trump's political ambitions.

The interest in Stormy Daniels' claims reached its peak in late 2016, following the release of the "Access Hollywood" tape, where Trump was heard making derogatory remarks about women. Davidson asserted that it was his understanding that Trump would be responsible for funding Daniels' silence, not Cohen.

Furthermore, Davidson's testimony shed light on his communication with Dylan Howard, an editor at the National Enquirer. In a text message sent on June 7, 2016, Davidson mentioned having a "blockbuster Trump story." This exchange was crucial, as it highlighted McDougal's desire to avoid telling her story outright and instead choose a deal offered by the National Enquirer to protect her reputation and career.

Notably, Judge Juan Merchan made headlines by holding Trump in criminal contempt for repeatedly violating the case's limited gag order. The former president was fined $9,000 for his actions and faced additional violations that will be discussed during a hearing scheduled for Thursday.

This development adds to the mounting evidence presented against Trump, who is accused of falsifying business records to conceal the reimbursement of the hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels. Trump has persistently denied any wrongdoing.

The courtroom also witnessed the playing of videos depicting Trump's past comments regarding women who came forward with allegations of extramarital affairs. In these videos from 2016 and 2017, Trump vehemently denies any connection to the accusers, claiming that their stories are fabricated and false.

As the trial unfolds, the testimony from Davidson continues to provide insights into the intricate web of agreements and arrangements aimed at suppressing potentially damaging information during Trump's presidential campaign. The trial's outcome will have significant implications for the former president's legacy and potential legal repercussions.