Looks like the circus has come to town in the form of former President Donald Trump’s business records trial. And who’s the ringleader of this spectacle? None other than New York Judge Juan Merchan, who seems to have a flair for the dramatic.
Enter Robert Costello, former lawyer for Michael Cohen and the latest witness called to the stand by Trump’s defense team. Costello, apparently not content with simply answering questions, decided to put on a performance worthy of a petulant child. As prosecutors objected to his testimony and Judge Merchan sustained those objections, Costello’s frustrations grew. But did he handle it with the grace and decorum expected in a courtroom? Of course not!
Instead, Costello resorted to blowing “raspberries,” according to a news source. That’s right, folks, a grown man, a supposed legal professional, thought it would be appropriate to make childish noises in response to the judge’s rulings. I’m sure that really helped his credibility on the stand.
But wait, there’s more! Not only did Costello engage in this immature behavior, but he also had the audacity to roll his eyes at the judge. Because nothing says “I respect the court” like a good old-fashioned eye roll, right? Judge Merchan, clearly fed up with Costello’s antics, scolded him like a misbehaving schoolboy. “You don’t say ‘jeez,’ and you don’t say ‘strike it,’ because I’m the only one who can strike,” Merchan admonished. “You don’t roll your eyes, do you understand that?”
But Costello wasn’t done yet. Apparently, he thought it would be a good idea to engage in a staring contest with the judge. Merchan, not one to back down, called for the courtroom to be cleared so he could “discuss proper decorum” with Costello. I’m sure that conversation went swimmingly, with Costello probably offering sincere apologies and promising to behave like a professional from now on. Or not.
Now, let’s not forget the reason Costello was called to testify in the first place. He had previously appeared before the House Weaponization Committee, claiming that Michael Cohen had lied under oath and that Trump was not involved in payments made to adult entertainment star Stormy Daniels. Trump’s attorney, Emil Bove, wanted Costello to provide counter testimony to Cohen’s from the previous week, where Cohen alleged that Costello had tried to bribe him with a pardon to keep quiet about Trump.
Judge Merchan, in a rare moment of mercy, allowed Costello to provide testimony, but with limitations. I’m sure Costello was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak, even if it meant having to control his urge to make silly noises and facial expressions.
In the end, this whole debacle serves as a reminder that the legal system is not immune to the antics of those who refuse to take it seriously. When witnesses like Costello behave like children, it undermines the gravity of the proceedings and makes a mockery of the court. But hey, at least it provides some entertainment value for those of us watching from the sidelines.
As for Judge Merchan, I can only imagine the level of patience and self-control he must possess to deal with the likes of Robert Costello. Perhaps he should consider a second career as a kindergarten teacher, where he can put his skills in managing unruly behavior to good use.
Until then, we can only hope that the rest of Trump’s business records trial proceeds with a bit more decorum and a lot less raspberry-blowing. But given the track record of those involved, I wouldn’t hold my breath.
