As Michael Cohen faces intense scrutiny on the witness stand, Donald Trump's trial takes a dramatic turn, revealing new layers of intrigue and deception.
Top Points
1. **Cohen's Admission of Deception:** Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, confesses to deceiving Trump and his company for financial gain, shedding light on the inner workings of their relationship.
2. **Focus on Hush Money Payment:** The trial hones in on the $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels, with Cohen affirming Trump's approval of the transaction despite distractions involving other financial dealings.
3. **Reimbursement Controversy:** Cohen's revelation of being reimbursed for various expenses, including a dispute settlement with a technology company, sparks questions about financial integrity within the Trump Organization.
4. **Cohen's Motivations:** Cohen attributes his actions, including inflating expenses and pocketing the difference, to personal grievances against Trump, underscoring the complex dynamics between the two.
5. **Trial Dynamics:** As the trial progresses, Trump's legal team challenges Cohen's credibility while prosecutors present him as a key witness linking Trump to alleged financial misconduct, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal battle.
On Monday, Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's ex-lawyer, returned to the witness stand for another round of cross-examination. He admitted to deceiving Trump and his company for financial gain while maintaining that Trump approved the hush money paid to Stormy Daniels, a central issue in the former president's trial.
Defense attorney Todd Blanche focused on the period when Cohen paid Daniels $130,000 for her silence on Trump's behalf. Cohen confirmed being occupied with other matters at the time, including closing a $7 million deal and handling an extortion threat involving Trump's daughter Tiffany.
Blanche questioned Cohen for about two hours, delving into another payment Trump allegedly reimbursed him for—$50,000 to settle a dispute with a technology company. Cohen admitted inflating the reimbursement to avoid taxes and confessed to pocketing the difference.
When asked why he did it, Cohen cited resentment over Trump reducing his annual bonus, despite Cohen's efforts to bury scandalous stories about him. Cohen also disclosed his significant earnings in 2017, largely attributed to his role as Trump's personal attorney.
The judge postponed closing arguments by a week due to the holiday weekend. Trump appeared optimistic in court, flanked by allies.
Cohen, a pivotal witness in the case against Trump, testified about the payment to Daniels, which Trump allegedly authorized and assured repayment. Prosecutors claim Trump disguised these payments as legal expenses. Trump faces charges of falsifying business records.
Cohen's credibility was challenged due to his history of lying publicly, including his guilty pleas in 2018. Trump's lawyer extensively questioned Cohen's inconsistencies and falsehoods.
Prosecutors rested their case after Cohen's testimony, while Trump's defense plans remain unclear. Trump previously expressed willingness to testify but has since wavered. The defense hinted at potential witnesses, including a former FEC chair, but details were not disclosed.
The trial's duration may depend on whether Trump decides to testify and the defense's strategy regarding witness testimony.
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