Donald Trump’s former fixer, Michael Cohen, took the stand as the prosecution’s star witness in the hush money trial linked to the former president. Cohen testified that Trump was involved in every aspect of the hush money scheme, promising to reimburse him for payments and being aware of efforts to silence stories that could harm his 2016 campaign. Trump was particularly concerned about allegations from porn actor Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal, instructing Cohen to ensure that the stories did not get released.
Despite Trump’s denial of the sexual encounters with Daniels and McDougal, Cohen’s testimony directly linked Trump to the payments and efforts to suppress the stories. While the atmosphere in the courtroom was calm, it was a stark contrast to a previous faceoff between the two men. Trump’s lawyers are expected to question Cohen’s credibility, highlighting his past criminal activities and portraying him as a vindictive witness with an agenda against the former president.
Prosecutors are counting on Cohen’s testimony to establish Trump’s involvement in the hush money payments and to counter any attacks on his credibility. Cohen played a key role in the reimbursements related to the payments to Daniels, which form the basis of numerous felony charges against Trump. Cohen detailed conversations with Trump and other key figures in the Trump Organization regarding the payouts, including discussions on how to disguise the payments as legal expenses.
Cohen also provided insight into his negotiations with David Pecker, the publisher of the National Enquirer, who had a close relationship with Trump. The hush money deals with Daniels and McDougal were orchestrated with Trump’s endorsement, according to Cohen’s testimony. Prosecutors aim to show Trump as a hands-on manager who was directly involved in efforts to suppress damaging stories, emphasizing his awareness and control over the situation.
The trial could have significant implications for Trump’s legal exposure and political future, depending on the jury’s perception of Cohen’s credibility. While Trump fundraises off his legal troubles and characterizes the case as a product of a biased criminal justice system, prosecutors are relying on witnesses like Cohen to strengthen their case. The trial will continue with Trump’s lawyers expected to challenge Cohen’s testimony and paint him as a dishonest and vengeful witness.
