During the 11th day of the criminal trial in the case N.Y. v. Trump, former Trump campaign and White House communications director testified that Trump’s ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, would often frustrate campaign staff and do things that were not helpful. Cohen, who referred to himself as “Mr. Fix It,” was accused of breaking things instead of fixing them. Cohen is a central player in the case against Trump, as he arranged a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to silence her claims of an affair with Trump. The prosecution alleges that Trump falsified business records to reimburse Cohen for these payments.
The prosecution in the case, led by Manhattan District Attorney Bragg, has pushed for the “Access Hollywood” tape to be played in court. The tape captured Trump making crude comments about women in 2005. However, Judge Juan Merchan has ruled that the video is too prejudicial to be shown in court, though the prosecution can refer to the transcript. The tape is said to be relevant to Trump’s intent and motive in making the payment to Daniels and attempting to conceal it. The release of the tape apparently caused a panic within the campaign about Trump’s electoral prospects and led to the decision to pay off Daniels.
During her testimony, former press secretary for Trump’s 2016 campaign, Hicks, revealed that Trump’s main concern after the leaking of the “Access Hollywood” tape was the impact on his wife, Melania Trump. Trump valued his wife’s opinion and did not want her to be hurt or embarrassed by anything related to the campaign. Hicks stated that Trump asked for newspapers about the tape not to be brought to the Trump residence. Despite the concerns about his family, Trump was focused on ensuring they were proud of him and did not face any negative repercussions from the campaign.
Trump has denied the affair with Stormy Daniels and pleaded not guilty to the 34 criminal counts against him. Michael Colangelo, a former high-ranking official in the Justice Department and lawyer for the prosecution, questioned Hicks about Trump’s reaction to the “Access Hollywood” tape. The prosecution has argued that the tape is crucial to understanding Trump’s motives in paying off Daniels and attempting to cover it up. Hicks, who served in various roles within the Trump campaign and White House, provided insights into Trump’s concerns following the leak and his desire to protect his family from embarrassment.
Despite his denials of any wrongdoing, Trump remains entangled in the legal battle against the charges brought against him. The case has brought attention to the actions of his former lawyer, Cohen, who is expected to be a key witness for the prosecution. The trial has shed light on the inner workings of the Trump campaign and White House, revealing the concerns and motivations of those involved. As the case continues to unfold, the public remains divided over the allegations against Trump and the evidence presented in court.
