The hush money trial against Donald Trump is in its final stretch, with Michael Cohen expected to take the stand as the star prosecution witness. Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer, will testify about arranging hush money payments during Trump’s first presidential campaign, including to Stormy Daniels. The reimbursements Cohen received form the basis of the charges against Trump, alleging falsifying business records to hide the payments’ true purpose. Defense lawyers have characterized Cohen as an admitted liar with an obsession to get President Trump.
Politically, the reliance on Cohen as a witness with a checkered past could benefit Trump, as he fundraises off his legal troubles and portrays the case as the result of a tainted criminal justice system. However, Cohen’s testimony as the star prosecution witness also signifies the end of a once close relationship with Trump, during which Cohen professed his willingness to take a bullet for the former president. The relationship deteriorated further after the FBI raided Cohen’s home and office in 2018, prompting Cohen to plead guilty to federal charges.
After pleading guilty, Cohen broke ties with Trump, posting on social media platforms critical of the former president. He later admitted to lying to Congress about a Moscow real estate project pursued on Trump’s behalf, to align with Trump’s political messaging. Prosecutors expect Cohen’s detailed testimony about his past crimes to counter defense efforts to discredit him, although they acknowledge the challenges of using Cohen as a witness. In addition to questioning his trustworthiness, defense lawyers intend to portray Cohen as vindictive and driven by personal agendas.
Many past witnesses in the trial have testified about Cohen’s role in arranging to silence news stories harmful to Trump’s 2016 candidacy. This included former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker and former Trump adviser Hope Hicks. Jurors also listened to an audio recording of Trump and Cohen discussing a plan to purchase the rights to a story involving Playboy model Karen McDougal. At a recent rally, Trump criticized the trial, incorrectly blaming President Joe Biden for the charges brought against him in New York.
The trial is closely watched because it marks the first criminal case against an American president. The outcome could have significant legal and political ramifications for Trump, depending on how jurors perceive Cohen’s credibility. As the trial enters its final phase, the testimony of Cohen, once a loyal ally to Trump, is expected to be a critical factor in determining the verdict. The case has underscored the complexity of relationships in politics and the legal challenges associated with prosecuting high-profile figures.
