Michael Cohen has been posting bizarre TikTok videos, including a livestream showing Donald Trump behind bars, despite Manhattan prosecutors asking him to stay quiet about the hush money case. Trump’s attorneys have complained to the Manhattan Supreme Court Justice about Cohen’s behavior, as their client is not allowed to respond to him due to the gag order. Prosecutors have repeatedly asked Cohen to refrain from speaking about the case, but he has continued to do so. The judge directed prosecutors to communicate to Cohen once again to stop making statements about the case or about Trump.
Cohen, who is expected to take the stand on Monday, will detail his role in paying $130,000 in hush money to Stormy Daniels on Trump’s direction before the 2016 election. The court’s gag order prevents Trump from criticizing Cohen, and he has been fined for disparaging remarks about Cohen and others involved in the trial. Cohen, who has previously served prison time for a campaign finance crime related to the hush money payment, has openly criticized Trump during the trial. Their relationship soured after Cohen claimed Trump directed him to make the Daniels payoff.
Prosecutors presented evidence of Trump defending Cohen in an April 2018 tweet, praising him as a “fine person” and recommending not to retain his services months before he changed his tune when Cohen pleaded guilty to a federal campaign finance crime. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office plans to call Cohen and one other witness before resting its case, after which Trump will have the opportunity to present a defense if he chooses. Trump expressed frustration with the gag order restricting him from speaking about witnesses and jurors, calling it a disgrace that he cannot respond to the accusations levied against him.
Overall, the trial involving Michael Cohen and his role in paying hush money to Stormy Daniels on behalf of Donald Trump has been marred by Cohen’s public statements on social media and in court. Despite prosecutors’ efforts to keep Cohen quiet about the case, he has continued to speak out, leading to complaints from Trump’s attorneys. The relationship between Trump and Cohen has noticeably deteriorated as the trial progresses, with Trump publicly criticizing Cohen after he pleaded guilty to federal campaign finance crimes. The trial is ongoing, with Cohen set to take the stand and provide more details about the hush money payment, while Trump awaits the opportunity to present a defense in response to the allegations.
