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In a highly anticipated appearance, Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, delivered a riveting testimony in the hush money trial at the New York Criminal Courthouse. Cohen’s account provided granular details and fresh insights into the circumstances surrounding payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, as well as other attempts to suppress damaging stories about Trump in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election.
A Day of Revelations
Given the illustrious career Cohen once enjoyed as Trump’s confidant and “fixer,” his testimony carried significant weight. NPR’s Andrea Bernstein, who followed the proceedings closely, reported Cohen’s stark admission: “what I was doing, I was doing at the direction of and for the benefit of Mr. Trump.” Cohen’s words, coupled with his detailed recounting of events, painted a comprehensive picture of a coordinated effort to safeguard Trump’s public image.
Referencing a conversation post the notorious release of the Access Hollywood tape, Cohen recalled Trump’s reaction: “this is a disaster, a total disaster. Women will hate me. Guys may think it’s cool, but for women, this is going to be a disaster.” This quote exemplifies how dire Trump perceived the situation and the lengths he was willing to go to mitigate its impact.
The Mechanics of the Hush Money Deal
One of the new elements Cohen introduced was Trump’s detailed involvement in the structure and timing of the payment to Daniels. He testified that Trump advised delaying the $130,000 payout until after the election. Trump’s reasoning? “If I win, it won’t be relevant. If I lose, I don’t care.”
Cohen narrated how pressure mounted when Daniels threatened to take her story to the Daily Mail. It was then that Trump, upon consulting with key associates, concluded the easiest path was to make the payment. Cohen mentioned he dealt with Allen Weisselberg, Trump Organization’s CFO, to finalize the finances.
The Payoff Breakdown
Prosecutors presented evidence of phone call records linking Cohen and Trump to various stages of the hush money negotiations and subsequent payment. Cohen described a pre-inauguration meeting at Trump Tower involving Trump and Weisselberg, where they discussed reimbursing him. “They promised to pay him $420,000 – which was the Stormy payment – another $50,000 for some tech services, $60,000 for a bonus plus an extra to cover taxes.”
Quiet Defense, For Now
The defense team, led by Trump’s lawyers, showed minimal resistance during Cohen’s testimony, with few objections raised. It is anticipated, however, that they will challenge Cohen’s credibility during cross-examination, leaning heavily on Cohen’s own felony convictions for previous lies and financial crimes. Trump’s defense also contends that Cohen’s motivations are born out of spite from being spurned for a White House position.
The Bigger Picture: A Threat to Democracy?
Following the courtroom drama, Trump conveyed his view that this trial represents a “threat to democracy.” Speaking to media outside the courthouse, Trump argued, “What’s going on in that courtroom is a threat to democracy and we cannot have a country where we get to prosecute your political opponents, instead of persuading voters.”
Trump also critiqued the timing. He asserted that federal prosecutors had declined to pursue charges earlier, opting instead to ignite legal battles in the midst of another presidential campaign.
Information Box:
Who is Michael Cohen?: Michael Cohen was Donald Trump’s personal lawyer and self-proclaimed “fixer.” Once a close confidante, Cohen has since become one of Trump’s most vocal critics.
What is the hush money case?: The case involves payments Cohen made to Stormy Daniels and other individuals to prevent them from disclosing potentially damaging stories about then-presidential candidate Trump.
– Relevant Quotes:
– Trump: “this is a disaster, a total disaster.” (Regarding the Access Hollywood tape)
– Cohen: “what I was doing, I was doing at the direction of and for the benefit of Mr. Trump.”
– Legal Repercussions: Trump faces potential indictment for falsifying business records related to the hush money payments.
Sources
1. NPR: Michael Cohen gave new context for events in Trump’s hush money trial. May 13, 2024. By Andrea Bernstein.
2. The Daily Beast: Michael Cohen’s 5 Sleaziest Moments as Trump’s Attack Dog. By Josh Fiallo, Published May 13, 2024.
3. Epoch Times: Trump Says Case Is ‘Threat to Democracy’ After Cohen Testimony. By Catherine Yang and Michael Washburn, May 13, 2024.