With just three words, Michael Cohen, a star witness known for selling sports gear, not exposing conspiracies, revealed on Monday that Donald Trump ordered a hush money payment to an adult film star to protect his 2016 campaign.
Prosecutors will use his testimony to strengthen their case that the former president committed a crime by altering financial records to conceal a payoff. This will be a prelude to a tough cross-examination by the attorney of the likely Republican nominee. The goal is to discredit Cohen, prove him as dishonest, and retaliate against him for betraying his former boss.
Michael Cohen testifies during Donald Trump's hush money trial on Monday, May 13.
Michael Cohen testifies during Donald Trump's hush money trial on Monday, May 13.
Jane Rosenberg
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Key points from Michael Cohen's first day of testimony in the Trump hush money case: Before Monday, the main question was whether prosecutors had enough evidence to support Cohen's testimony and prove Trump's criminal actions.
Ryan Goodman, a professor at NYU Law, believes that the evidence strongly supports the case against Trump and Cohen. This includes logs of calls discussing the payment and reimbursement, leading to falsified financial documents. Goodman stated confidently to CNN's Erin Burnett that the evidence "holds together" as of now.
Although Trump maintains his innocence, the outcome of the trial remains uncertain until the jury delivers their verdict. Former New York prosecutor Bernarda Villalona commended Cohen's testimony on CNN's "The Lead", noting his effectiveness in providing a crucial link. Villalona expressed that Cohen's testimony showed that Trump authorized the payments to influence the campaign. She emphasized the importance of Cohen's performance on the stand, but also highlighted the upcoming challenge of cross-examination.
David Schoen, who represented Trump during his second impeachment, emphasized the importance of the upcoming cross-examination of Michael Cohen. With Cohen's history of lying to Congress and his disappointment in not securing a job in the Trump administration, there is speculation that his testimony could be driven by a motive for revenge. Schoen believes that the prosecution views Cohen as a crucial witness, stating that the case may hinge on the success of his cross-examination. This pivotal moment in the trial could make or break the outcome, according to Schoen.
The trial's most crucial day featured the presumptive Republican nominee facing off against Cohen, who claims to have handled scandals and fixed broken business deals as his boss' tough problem solver. This event added to the drama of the 2024 election season, entangled in Trump's legal troubles, yet still holding the possibility of his return to the White House.
As the courtroom proceedings on Monday play a significant role in the case's outcome, there is a broader audience considering how Trump's defense has become a central theme of his campaign. It's too early to predict how voters will react to a conviction or acquittal, or if new damaging revelations about his behavior will affect an electorate already desensitized to scandals that would have derailed a typical candidate. Recent polls from the New York Times/Siena showing Trump ahead of President Joe Biden in key swing states highlight his genuine chances of winning a second term. Cohen's revelations on Monday about the former president's business practices further indicate that a potential second Trump administration could pose an even greater threat to the rule of law than his first term.
Trump cannot publicly criticize Cohen due to a gag order from a judge who has warned of jail time for non-compliance after multiple violations. Despite this, Trump's outburst outside the courtroom on Monday was more furious than usual as he attacked Judge Juan Merchan and claimed he was a victim of political persecution, stating that the New York legal system is being weaponized.
Cohen's testimony sheds light on the challenges and questionable decisions faced by those associated with the former president, given his charisma and fame even before his presidential run. Despite this, there are Republicans eager to align themselves with Trump. Senators J.D. Vance from Ohio and Tommy Tuberville from Alabama stood by Trump outside the courtroom, showcasing his enduring influence within the GOP.
Vance was Trump's outspoken supporter, aiming to undermine Cohen's credibility and highlight his own loyalty to Trump as the former president considers potential running mates. The Ohio Republican questioned if anyone could trust Michael Cohen's words and voiced his concerns about the impact of the ongoing legal proceedings on American democracy. He defended the GOP nominee who was accused of attempting to overturn a legitimate election in 2020.
The breakdown of the relationship between Trump and Cohen
During the testimony, the former president sat with his eyes closed while Cohen, who is now seeking redemption after serving Trump but ended up in jail, revealed a plan to silence Stormy Daniels. She alleges having a sexual encounter with Trump, which he denies.
Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger spent a day methodically questioning Cohen about his past role at the Trump Organization and his loyalty to Trump. Cohen went as far as lying on television and arranging to silence other women making claims against Trump. Hoffinger aimed to prove that the payment to Daniels occurred, with Trump instructing Cohen to make it. Cohen used a home equity line of credit to make the payment discreetly from his wife, expecting to be repaid.
Michael Cohen, lawyer for former President Donald Trump, leaves Trump's civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court in New York City on October 24, 2023. Cohen is set to testify in Trump criminal trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs on Monday.
Michael Cohen, who served as a lawyer for former President Donald Trump, was seen exiting Trump's civil fraud trial at the New York State Supreme Court in New York City on October 24, 2023. Cohen is expected to testify in Trump's criminal trial regarding accusations of concealing hush money payments related to extramarital affairs on Monday.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images/File
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Witnesses have shared negative information about Michael Cohen, who used to work as Trump's fixer and is scheduled to testify on Monday.
During the testimony, Hoffinger prompted Cohen to reveal that Trump's concern about Daniels' allegations, which surfaced after the "Access Hollywood" tape scandal in 2016, was more about safeguarding his campaign than shielding his family from embarrassment, contrary to the defense's claims.
Throughout his testimony, Cohen revealed that Trump had expressed concerns about how women would perceive him, saying "Women are going to hate me." He also mentioned that Trump believed the campaign could be negatively affected by his actions, stating, "Guys may think it's cool, but this is going to be a disaster for the campaign." Cohen clarified that Trump's focus was solely on the campaign and not on Melania, the former first lady. Furthermore, Cohen recalled Trump's comment about not being on the market for long, suggesting he could find another wife quickly, which elicited a smirk and head shake from the ex-president.
Cohen emphasized that he always kept Trump informed about his activities, noting that Trump's approval was necessary for everything. He specifically mentioned the payment to Daniels, stating that Trump advised him to just pay the $130,000, as he was a billionaire and there was no need to prolong the situation. Trump allegedly mentioned consulting with friends and smart individuals before instructing Cohen to proceed with the payment, indicating a direct involvement in the decision-making process.
Trump is facing 34 charges of falsifying business records. Prosecutors claim that this was done to cover up the monthly reimbursements Cohen received in 2017, after his boss became president, for the hush money payment to Daniels.
In an effort to counter any defense argument that Cohen is lying due to a grudge against Trump, the prosecution questioned him about his frustration when his annual bonus was reduced by two-thirds in December 2016. Cohen admitted he was upset. Following this, he approached Trump's then-chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, to discuss repaying the $130,000 he had given to Daniels. Cohen also expressed his disappointment at not being considered for the position of Trump's first White House chief of staff.
He completely changed his story from before. He had once admitted to being a "thug" to do what Trump wanted. Now, he said his only focus was to make his client happy, even though the client had turned him down.
Editor's P/S:
Michael Cohen's testimony on Monday was a bombshell that further implicates former President Donald Trump in a hush money payment scandal. Cohen's revelation that Trump ordered the payment to protect his 2016 campaign is a damning piece of evidence that could lead to criminal charges against Trump.