Former President Trump's criminal trial in Manhattan entered its third week on Thursday, as he returned to the courtroom following a brief campaign trail detour. The day began with yet another gag order hearing, presided over by Judge Juan Merchan, after Trump was fined $9,000 for violating the rule.

The gag order prohibits the former president from publicly discussing the case or its witnesses. However, Trump's recent campaign appearances saw him openly speak about the ongoing trial, leading to the imposed fine. The morning hearing will determine whether further action needs to be taken to enforce the gag order.

During previous testimony on Thursday, Keith Davidson, the former lawyer of adult film actress Stormy Daniels, revealed that he believed Trump would lose the 2016 presidential election. In an intense phone call with Trump's ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, Davidson urged a settlement of the $130,000 payment to Daniels, claiming that Trump's defeat would weaken their leverage.

Trump's defense team aims to connect this call with Davidson's alleged pattern of extracting money from vulnerable individuals. The implication is that pressure was applied to settle the payment before the election to avoid potential damage to Trump's campaign.

Speaking to reporters after the day's proceedings, Trump expressed his satisfaction with how things were going in the courtroom, despite labeling the trial as "ridiculous" and an "election interference at the highest level." He stated his belief that he was restricted by an unconstitutional gag order, preventing him from testifying in the case.

Trump's frustrations with Judge Merchan were evident, as he criticized the judge for being "totally conflicted." Judge Merchan had earlier conducted a hearing on four additional violations of the gag order. Trump vowed to appeal the order, claiming it unfairly limited his ability to publicly address the trial.

The former president argued that as the Republican Party nominee and the leading candidate against President Biden in the 2024 election, he should be allowed to speak freely. Trump alleged that the gag order unfairly restricted his rights while granting others the freedom to say whatever they wished about him.

As the Manhattan trial continues, the focus remains on the potential implications of Trump's alleged involvement with Stormy Daniels and the legal consequences he may face. The courtroom drama continues to captivate public attention, and Judge Merchan's decisions regarding the gag order will play a significant role in shaping the trial's proceedings.