Former President Trump’s criminal trial is set to resume with Michael Cohen taking the stand for the third day of cross-examination by defense attorneys. Cohen, who previously served as Trump’s lawyer, is said to be the star witness in the case against the former president. Prosecutors must prove that Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 election. Trump maintains his innocence, calling the charges a scam. Cohen testified that he made the payment to Daniels on Trump’s orders to prevent a negative story from coming out before the election.
Cohen was reimbursed $420,000 for the payment he made to Daniels and was presented with 11 checks totaling that amount, which he confirmed were received and deposited. Under questioning, Cohen admitted to lying under oath, including about a non-disclosure agreement signed by Daniels in October 2016. Cohen testified that he lied to protect his family from further harm. The defense has highlighted Cohen’s history of lying under oath and his motives for cooperating with prosecutors in the trial against Trump.
The defense attorney was able to get Cohen to admit that he may have lied about speaking to Trump regarding the Daniels payment. Cohen maintains that he spoke to Trump about the deal, but defense asserts he did not. Cohen also admitted to wanting to be considered for a high-ranking position in the Trump administration for ego purposes. The defense expects to wrap up cross-examination soon, and prosecutors will have a limited time for redirect questioning. It is unclear if Trump will testify in his own defense in the trial.
Overall, the trial has focused on the details of the payment made to Stormy Daniels and the subsequent reimbursement, as well as Cohen’s history of lying and motives for cooperating with prosecutors. The defense has questioned the validity of Cohen’s testimony and highlighted inconsistencies in his statements. Both sides are expected to conclude their questioning soon, with the possibility of other witnesses taking the stand. The outcome of the trial remains uncertain as both sides present their arguments and evidence. The possibility of Trump testifying in his own defense adds another layer of complexity to the trial.
