In a historic trial, former President Donald Trump is facing felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This marks the first time in history that a former U.S. president has been tried on criminal charges. Trump has pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment accusing him of falsifying business records in connection with the payment.

The trial, taking place in New York City, is expected to last between six and eight weeks. However, before proceedings can fully get underway, Judge Juan Merchan issued an ultimatum to Trump's defense team. They were given 24 hours to turn over their proposed defense exhibits, failing which the materials would be precluded from use.

Defense attorney Todd Blanche pushed back against the deadline, arguing that the prosecution's claim of the defense withholding materials for "tactical reasons" was false. Blanche requested a Wednesday deadline instead, considering the demands of the trial. However, Judge Merchan declined the request, noting the flurry of defense motions filed in recent weeks.

In addition to this ultimatum, Judge Merchan has set a hearing for Wednesday, April 24 at 2:15 p.m. ET on prosecutors' request to hold Trump in contempt for allegedly violating the judge's limited gag order. Trump's attorneys have until April 19 to file their response to the request. Prosecutor Christopher Conroy has also asked for a copy of the order to be served on Trump.

During the afternoon proceedings following the lunch break, both Donald Trump and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg were in attendance. Trump made no remarks to reporters as he entered the courtroom after the break. The defense attorney, Todd Blanche, responded to prosecutors' request for Judge Merchan to fine Trump for three social media posts that allegedly violated the judge's limited gag order. Blanche characterized the posts as "limited responses to this barrage of attacks" against Trump by Stormy Daniels and his former attorney, Michael Cohen.

The trial continues to draw attention as the former president faces the legal consequences of his alleged actions. As the proceedings progress, it is evident that both the defense and prosecution are engaged in vigorous arguments, with Judge Merchan closely overseeing the trial's procedures.