Former President Donald Trump’s defense lawyer wasted no time questioning Michael Cohen about his TikTok activity during cross-examination on Tuesday. Cohen has been using TikTok to conduct live streams where he fundraises and talks about the case while criticizing Trump. When asked by Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, if he knew who he was, Cohen replied affirmatively. Blanche then inquired about Cohen calling him a derogatory term on TikTok, leading to a tense moment that prompted Justice Juan Merchan to intervene.
During the trial, Blanche also pressed Cohen about his comments on jury selection and allegations that he leaked information to the press. These questions were met with objections from prosecutors and sustained by Justice Merchan. Additionally, Cohen was questioned about remarks he made on TikTok regarding David Pecker’s testimony corroborating him, to which he responded that he had been informed of this by someone.
ABC News reported in late April on Cohen’s frequent TikTok livestreams discussing the trial, Trump, and other related topics. While his activities on TikTok do not violate any court orders, experts have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Cohen’s credibility as a witness in the case. Former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons emphasized the importance of witnesses refraining from discussing the case outside of the courtroom to maintain their credibility.
Overall, the defense’s line of questioning aimed to challenge Cohen’s credibility and potentially undermine his testimony during the trial. Cohen’s engagement on TikTok has raised concerns about the impact it may have on his role as a witness in the case.
