Michael D. Cohen, a former close confidant of Donald J. Trump, testified in the first criminal trial of an American president, stating that he had made a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels to ensure her silence before the 2016 presidential election. The payment led to charges against Mr. Trump for falsifying business records to hide a reimbursement to Mr. Cohen. Mr. Trump denies the charges and claims he did not have a sexual encounter with Ms. Daniels. If convicted, he could face prison or probation.
During his testimony, Mr. Cohen revealed that Melania Trump suggested calling the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape, in which Mr. Trump bragged about grabbing women’s genitals, “locker-room talk.” He also contradicted the defense argument that Mr. Trump paid Ms. Daniels out of concern for his family and marriage, stating that it was all about the campaign and that Mr. Trump wasn’t thinking about Melania when Ms. Daniels’s story threatened to become public. Mr. Cohen also mentioned that Mr. Trump viewed both Ms. Daniels and Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model, as “beautiful.”
Mr. Cohen’s testimony brought together various moments related to the $130,000 payment, including Mr. Trump’s micromanagement and the campaign’s panic after the release of the “Access Hollywood” tape. He confirmed details provided by David Pecker, former National Enquirer publisher, about a deal to suppress negative stories about Mr. Trump, as well as Keith Davidson, Ms. Daniels’s former lawyer. However, Mr. Cohen’s credibility will be a focal point during cross-examination, and his believability could impact the jury’s verdict.
In a crucial moment, Mr. Cohen stated that Mr. Trump had made it clear he wanted to pay off Ms. Daniels, using the phrase “Just do it.” This indication of intent forms the basis for charges of falsifying business records, as Mr. Cohen described a conversation involving Mr. Trump and Allen Weisselberg, the Trump Organization’s former chief financial officer, where the plan to pay Ms. Daniels and then be repaid was discussed.
While Mr. Trump is prevented from attacking witnesses due to a gag order, other allies have taken the opportunity to criticize the case, including Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, who held a news conference on Monday. Mr. Cohen’s demeanor during his testimony was calm and composed, despite being previously described as a maniac. Prosecutors had allowed witnesses to disparage him preemptively to counter potential defense arguments about his reliability. The defense will likely attempt to rattle Mr. Cohen during cross-examination, which is expected to begin later in the trial.
Overall, Mr. Cohen’s testimony presented significant revelations regarding the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels and shed light on Mr. Trump’s involvement in the matter. The trial continues to be a focal point of political and public attention, as it unfolds with potential implications for the former president’s legal future.
