Michelle Dubert

Before the jury was even called into the courtroom this morning, Judge T.S. Ellis had some opinions to tell the court. First, he expressed some impatience with the prosecution spending considerable time establishing the fact that Paul Manafort did extensive work in Ukraine. Tad Devine, the government’s first witness yesterday, filled that purpose, as Daniel Rabin, the government’s second witness who is next to take the stand, is intended to do today.

Michelle Dubert 18 hours ago When Richard Westling resumed his cross examination, he asked Brennan about the process of approving the loan for 377 Union Street in Brooklyn. The defense showed the credit memorandum Brennan wrote for the loan, which he would do at the last stage for all loans. He provided a risk rating of 4 — which is considered “average.” Over a 4 rating, a risk is considered troubled and is not approved.

Robert Mueller's prosecutors are asking the judge to correct what they said was the mistaken tongue-lashing he gave them Wednesday in front of the jury. The judge was angry that an IRS witness had been in court during previous days of the trial. Judge T.S. Ellis said he does not allow that, with an exception for expert witnesses. "The court’s reprimand of government counsel suggested to the jury — incorrectly — that the government had acted improperly and in contravention of Court rules.