April 15, 2024: What we’re watching during Trump’s Manhattan court appearance

It’s the trial that has captured the world’s attention — and, given that it’s closed off from cameras, very few people know what the Trump hush money prosecution looks like up close. One person who does? Politico reporter Erica Orden. She’s been in the courtroom all week, and joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to talk about the biggest developments — and why they matter in the short and long term. Plus, Playbook has a juicy excerpt from the new book by South Dakota Gov. (and Trump VP hopeful) Kristi Noem, and what Rep. Jerry Nadler has to say on Israel and campus protests on the Playbook Deep Dive podcast.

For the first time since the start of his criminal trial in New York, former President Donald Trump returned to the campaign trail yesterday with rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan. The Trump who showed up marked a return to form — for better or worse — but also a reminder of the unique vulnerabilities he brings to the general election (from railing against his indictments and comparing himself to Al Capone, to thanking by name the conservative justices responsible for overturning Roe). Playbook co-authors Eugene Daniels and Ryan Lizza break down the appearances and where we expect things to go from here.

The Department of Justice is poised to significantly loosen federal cannabis restrictions, reclassifying the substance from Schedule I — the most serious classification — to Schedule III. Federal cannabis policy reporter Natalie Fertig joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to walk through what this means practically and politically. Plus, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is expected to double-down on her effort to oust Speaker Mike Johnson, and Vice President Kamala Harris heads to Florida to reinforce Biden’s abortion rights message. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews Federal cannabis policy reporter Natalie Fertig.

White House reporter and West Wing Playbook author Eli Stokols has been reporting on the simmering rift between Joe Biden’s administration and the New York Times, and the White House Correspondent’s Dinner this past weekend introduced another layer. Stokols joins Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza to discuss. Plus, MTG is a no-show in the House Monday night, and the rest of the news you need to know today. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews West Wing Playbook author Eli Stokols.

Prior to last week’s congressional recess, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared poised for battle to vacate Speaker Mike Johnson from his post. But over the weeklong break, she didn’t offer any updates on the mission. It has now been 38 days since Greene first filed that motion, and she has gone completely quiet on her plans. What’s going on? Playbook co-author Rachael Bade walks through some possibilities. All that, and the rest of the news you need to know today.

Former President Donald Trump had a huge day in two different courtrooms on Thursday, but was only present for the one in Manhattan. David Pecker took the stand as a key witness in the case, and he alleged Trump was not the only prominent political figure for whom he caught and killed stories. Legal reporter Ben Feuerherd takes Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through what it was like in the courtroom. All that, and everything else you need to know today.

Even by modern standards, this is a dizzying day of Trump legal news. Today, he’ll return to a Manhattan court room where Judge Juan Merchan could rule over whether he violated a gag order and former National Enquirer chief David Pecker will resume his testimony in Trump’s criminal trial. Meanwhile, in Washington, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments over Trump’s claims of presidential immunity from prosecution related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. POLITICO Magazine staff writer Ankush Khardori joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to walk through what to expect.

Late Tuesday evening, the Senate finally passed the long-awaited foreign aid bill that also moves to ban TikTok, citing national security concerns. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill in the coming days. So, what does this mean for the popular social networking app, and can anything save it? Tech policy reporter Rebecca Kern walks Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels through some of the possibilities.

Can Joe Biden win Florida come November? It's unlikely, but the Sunshine State might still loom large in Biden's campaign -- serving as perfect fodder for why he needs to be reelected. When Biden travels there today, he will denounce its red-tinged policies, especially the six-week abortion ban set to take effect next week. Deputy national editor Zach Montellaro joins Playbook deputy editor Zack Stanton to talk through it all. Plus, Trump faces accusations he violated the gag order, and how the chaos at Columbia University is affecting Capitol Hill.

After every day last week was devoted to assembling a jury, the trial involving allegations that Trump paid hush money to two women with whom he was having affairs will begin today in Manhattan. Senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein chats with Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza about what’s on his radar and District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s attempt to “rebrand” the case. Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza interviews Senior legal affairs reporter Josh Gerstein.