Republican allies are declaring things that judge's gag order prevents Trump from saying

A handful of former President Donald Trump’s high-profile allies have converged on the Manhattan courthouse where Trump is being tried on charges of falsifying business records to cover up a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

The Republican lawmakers and other well-known politicians, including possible running mates, have vocally defended Trump outside the courtroom. They have said the kinds of things Trump cannot because of the gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan.

Here's a day-by-day look at many of the statements Trump's supporters have made outside the courtroom.

Donald Trump's hush-money trial

May 9

May 13

May 14

May 16

May 20: Michael Cohen back on the stand

Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen returned to the witness stand on Monday for more cross-examination. He is expected to be the prosecution's last witness, according to Paste BN reporting.

The defense will soon have a chance to call their own witnesses, including Trump himself. Neither Trump or his lawyers have not said whether he will testify.

Closing arguments expected Tuesday, May 28

Judge Merchan said it's "become apparent" that the two sides won't be able to give closing arguments on Tuesday. Last week, Merchan told the lawyers to be prepared to give those arguments as early as May 21.

Merchan said details for the rest of this week will be discussed later, but he anticipates finishing up witness testimony this week and then, after a day off next Monday for Memorial Day, holding closing arguments first thing on Tuesday, May 28.

Click here for more updates from the trial.

SOURCE Paste BN Network reporting and research; AFP; Getty