Donald Trump’s Hush Money Trial: Michael Cohen Is In the Courtroom
In a crucial moment of Donald Trump’s Manhattan trial, his former lawyer Michael Cohen testified, connecting the ex-president to a 2016 hush money arrangement.
Cohen’s Testimony
Cohen disclosed that he spoke directly to Trump after wiring $130,000 to the adult film actress Stormy Daniels, emphasizing that he acted according to Trump’s orders and directions and for his benefit.
Charges Against Trump
Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to felonious charges against him, faces 34 counts of business fraud, with prosecutors alleging that he recouped Cohen through transactions marked as legal expenses.
Purpose Behind Hush Money Payment
The payments to Daniels were made during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, intended to keep the actress quiet about an alleged affair with Trump. Prosecutors also argued that masking the payment qualifies as election interference.
Details of Reimbursement Plan
A verbal tapestry of conversation between Trump and Allen Weisselberg, Trump’s top financial officer, regarding the reimbursement, was provided by Cohen in his testimony. Cohen also testified that Trump was the one who approved the plan, signaling the beginning of a turbulent journey in Washington, DC.
Trump’s Involvement in Cover-Up
Cohen’s testimony lifts the veil from Trump’s alleged involvement in hush money payments and his efforts to avert negative publicity during his presidential bid. Cohen narrated Trump’s instructions to handle multiple hush money payments and partner with tabloid media to mitigate reputational risk.
Burying Stories
Cohen also revealed Trump’s Involvement in burying a story about an alleged affair with Playboy model Karen McDougal, reflecting Trump’s aggressive approach to safeguarding his image.
Defense and Claims of Political Motivation
Despite Trump’s claims of a politically instigated trial, Cohen’s testimony has fortified the prosecution’s case. Legal experts and analysts suggest that Cohen’s deportment and candidness during testimony may sway the jury’s cognition of him.
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Cohen’s Guilty plea
Cohen admitted to various charges, including campaign finance violations related to the hush money payment, in his 2018 guilty plea. Trump’s defense has tried to distance him from Cohen’s actions, stating Cohen occasionally acted independently.
As the trial progresses, Cohen’s testimony remains a crucial piece in the prosecution’s efforts to hold Trump liable for his alleged involvement in the hush money scheme.
