The prosecution rested its case and the defense called its first witness, Robert Costello.

Evidence

Prosecutors rest case against Trump in dramatic day of testimony (Today.com)

corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim
XREF: connects to: Ellis’s apparent stumble was mischaracterized by the prosecution. — Lynley Hood, A City Possessed, 2868; Robert Costello was called as a defense witness and quickly admonished by the judge for being contemptuous. — The judge told Costello, a former federal prosecutor, he was …; The defense’s apparent stumble on the $50,000 payment was noted in coverage of Robert Costello’s testimony. — Lawrence: Trump defense’s lone witness Robert Costello was ’…

The defense’s apparent stumble on the $50,000 payment was noted in coverage of Robert Costello’s testimony. (similarity 0.91)
Costello’s fiery testimony made aspects of the prosecutors’ case even ‘stronger than it was,’ according to a retired state judge. (similarity 0.82)
Robert Costello was called as a defense witness and quickly admonished by the judge for being contemptuous. (similarity 0.81)
The judge briefly cleared the courtroom while he admonished the witness and threatened to kick him off the stand. (similarity 0.79)
Less than 15 minutes into Costello’s testimony, the typically even-tempered judge appeared fed up with Costello’s behavior and sent the jury out. (similarity 0.79)
Judge Merchan briefly booted the public after scolding defense witness Robert Costello. (similarity 0.78)
After sending reporters out of the courtroom, judge threatened to hold Robert Costello in contempt if the witness continued to stare at him. (similarity 0.78)