Judge resigns from the courtroom following the cross-examination of Trump witness Costello.

Judge Juan Merchan prohibited jurors, spectators, and journalists from entering the courtroom this afternoon after he criticized a significant witness for his rude comments regarding the judge's rulings.

Just moments after the defense had concluded its case in the high-profile trial over President Donald Trump's alleged hush money, defense lawyer Robert Costello made a comment after Merchan objected to various segments of Costello's testimony. When Merchan addressed Costello for violating the rules of the court, Costello requested that the comment be removed from the record, a decision only the judge has the authority to make.

Merchan then called a recess for the jury and proceeded to criticize Costello, a former prosecutor and experienced defense attorney, questioning, “Are you looking at me right now?” The judge then paused the proceedings for a short time.

Costello plays a vital role in the defense. Michael Cohen, the former lawyer for President Donald Trump, has mentioned that Costello attempted to serve as a mediator between him and the President following the FBI's raid on Cohen's office in January 2018.

Costello is scheduled to testify again on Tuesday, though it remains uncertain if Mr. Trump will be present to give his testimony.

Mr. Trump, the first former president to face criminal charges, is charged with forgery of business records to hide payments to Stormy Daniels, a porn actress, in exchange for Mr. Trump's support before the 2016 election.