Michael Cohen provided significant evidence linking former President Donald Trump to the charges he faces in New York, which could either benefit or harm prosecutors depending on the jury’s perception of the credibility of their key witness.
During Trump’s trial, Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, testified that the ex-president was fully aware of Cohen’s efforts to prevent Stormy Daniels from publicizing her alleged sexual encounter with Trump just before the 2016 election. Prosecutors presented evidence of two phone calls between Cohen and Trump before Cohen used a shell company to transfer $130,000 to Daniels’s attorney as part of a settlement.
Cohen emphasized that Trump approved all his actions and closely monitored his work, which included tasks like renegotiating invoices, handling media disputes, and sometimes resorting to bullying or deceit. Cohen claimed that Trump was heavily involved in his daily activities, demanding immediate updates on any developments, suggesting that Trump must have had intimate knowledge of the Daniels payment.
The trial revolves around a payment Trump made to Cohen in 2017, allegedly reimbursing him for the money he paid Daniels to help Trump’s campaign. The Manhattan District Attorney has charged Trump with falsifying business records to conceal the reimbursement, suggesting fraudulent intent. Cohen’s testimony serves as crucial evidence for prosecutors to prove Trump’s involvement and awareness of the illegalities surrounding the payment.
Trump’s defense team argues that the payment was appropriately categorized as “legal expenses,” as Cohen worked for Trump as an outside vendor in 2017. Cohen stated that he did not expect any payments from Trump in 2017, clarifying that his compensation came from external work for third parties.
Cohen also implicated Allen Weisselberg, the former Trump Organization CFO, in orchestrating the payment plan for Daniels. According to Cohen, Weisselberg devised the plan, which was approved by Trump, indicating his active participation in the decision-making process.
As the trial proceeds, prosecutors will continue questioning Cohen, while Trump’s defense attorneys will have the opportunity to challenge his credibility. They are expected to highlight Cohen’s criminal history and penchant for revenge against Trump, aiming to undermine his testimony.
Overall, Cohen’s testimony provides compelling evidence for the prosecution, but the defense will attempt to discredit him to sway the jury’s opinion. The trial will be pivotal in determining Trump’s culpability in the alleged campaign finance violations.
