Michael Cohen's Testimony and Its Significance in the Trump Fraud Trial
An unexpected turn of events in the New York civil fraud trial ensues as Michael Cohen, former lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, issues a stunning reversal in his testimony, plunging the proceedings into further disarray
Donald Trump's former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, caused further chaos in the New York civil fraud trial with his apparent backtrack. During cross-examination by two Trump attorneys on Wednesday, Cohen delivered confrontational testimony after previously implicating Trump in directing him to manipulate financial statements to inflate his net worth.
During the Wednesday morning session, Alina Habba, Trump's attorney, interrogated Cohen about his congressional testimony in 2019. Cohen had previously stated, "Not that I recall, no," when asked if Trump had instructed him or Allen Weisselberg, the chief financial officer of Trump Organization, to manipulate figures in Trump's personal statement. Cohen admitted to Habba that he had lied under oath during his testimony.
After lunch, Cliff Robert, another attorney representing Trump, continued to question Cohen about his testimony before Congress. To Robert's inquiry about whether Trump had instructed Cohen to manipulate the figures on his financial statement, Cohen responded differently, stating that his testimony was not untrue.
"Correct," Cohen said.
That response prompted Trumps attorney to ask the first time for a directed verdict to dismiss the trial because Cohen was a key witness in the case.
Judge Arthur Engoron's denial prompted Trump to swiftly exit the courtroom, triumphantly proclaiming victory as he addressed reporters in the hallway. "The trial has been unequivocally won," Trump declared, urging the judge to promptly bring the proceedings to a close.
The lawyers of the New York attorney general asked Cohen to provide further clarification in response to his previous statement. Cohen stated that although Trump never explicitly requested for the numbers to be inflated, his intentions were clear due to his language, which resembled that of "a mob boss."
According to Cohen, Trump would indicate his desires indirectly rather than stating them directly. "We comprehended his intentions," Cohen explained.
Cohen's testimony forms part of the civil fraud case brought by the New York attorney general against Trump and his business. This case seeks $250 million in fines and a ban on Trump's business activities in the state. The attorney general has additional evidence and testimony that have already convinced the judge to hold Trump and his co-defendants accountable for fraud (Trump is appealing the ruling).
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An upset Trump speaks to reporters after storming out of court
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At the conclusion of Cohens testimony, Robert renewed his request for a verdict to "end this case once and for all."
"Absolutely denied," Engoron said in response.
The case has evidence, credible or not, "all over the place," the judge said.
Engoron expressed that he did not view Cohen as a significant witness in the fraud case brought against Trump and his business by the New York attorney general. He stated that the courtroom was packed with ample evidence pertaining to the case.
After Cohen's two-day testimony, New York Attorney General Letitia James, in her remarks to reporters, minimized the importance of Cohen's role in her case against Trump. She emphasized that her investigation, spanning four years, has amassed ample evidence that supports the testimonies given by various witnesses.
"Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge that Michael Cohen is not the primary witness. The substantiation of his evidence through extensive evidence, voluminous enough to occupy the entire courtroom, is of utmost significance," James emphasized. "As a result, I eagerly anticipate the continuation of this trial and, naturally, await the delivery of justice."
