The criminal case against former President Donald Trump is nearing its end with Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal lawyer, as the final witness for the prosecution. This historic trial, which began on April 15, is the first criminal case involving a former president. In court this week, Cohen faced intense cross-examination from Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, who attempted to show Cohen’s history of lying and bias against his former boss. Cohen, pivotal to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case, testified that Trump directed him to handle hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, fearing they would harm his presidential campaign.
Cohen revealed that Trump had assured him he would be reimbursed for the payment to Daniels and later instructed him to work out the details with then-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg. When news of the payment became public in 2018, Trump encouraged Cohen to take responsibility for the deal, which Cohen did. Testifying that he acted at the direction and for the benefit of Trump, Cohen is the primary witness linking Trump to alleged falsifying business records. Blanche argued that Trump’s payments to Cohen were for legal work and that Cohen’s history of lying makes him an untrustworthy witness seeking revenge against his former boss.
Blanche indicated that he expects to conclude his cross-examination of Cohen on Thursday, with the possibility of additional questioning on Friday and Monday. If Trump decides not to testify, closing arguments could take place early next week. Blanche also mentioned the potential testimony of a witness who is an expert in Federal Election Commission laws and could shed light on the complexities of the case. Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding whether Trump himself will take the stand, as he initially expressed willingness to testify but has since refrained from confirming.
The core of the case against Trump revolves around 34 counts of falsifying business records, to which he has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison. The trial has been marked by sensational testimony from Cohen and intense scrutiny of Trump’s involvement in the hush money payments to Daniels. As the trial nears its conclusion, the outcome remains uncertain, with the potential for Trump to defend himself in court or for the case to proceed to closing arguments without further testimony. The high-profile nature of the trial has drawn significant attention and speculation about its impact on Trump’s legal troubles.
