Defense attorney Todd Blanche pressed Michael Cohen during cross-examination, trying to get him to acknowledge that he had lied for Donald Trump. Cohen admitted to lying and violating his moral compass, but he was reluctant to call it a lie at first. Cohen became combative and struggled to recall certain details during the cross-examination, which lasted for hours. Blanche probed Cohen’s motive for cooperating with prosecutors, suggesting that he changed his story to seek an early release from prison.
During direct examination by prosecutors, Cohen described feeling scared and despondent when the FBI raided his home in 2018. He sought reassurance from Trump, who assured him that everything would be okay. Cohen detailed how he remained loyal to Trump, even as the president publicly mused about how people might flip if the government offered them a way out of trouble. Cohen ultimately decided to cooperate with prosecutors after feeling pressured by a lawyer connected to Rudy Giuliani.
Blanche’s cross-examination covered a range of topics, including the Trump Moscow project, the Mueller report, and the Steele dossier. He questioned Cohen’s credibility and pointed out inconsistencies in his testimony. Blanche suggested that Cohen was seeking to benefit from cooperating with prosecutors by seeking an early release from prison. He also highlighted Cohen’s interactions with various attorneys and his decision to stop lying for Trump after pressure from his family.
Cohen recounted the events surrounding the FBI raid, Trump’s public statements, and his decision to cooperate with prosecutors. He described feeling conflicted about loyalty to Trump and ultimately decided to prioritize his family’s well-being. Cohen’s testimony highlighted the internal struggle he faced between his loyalty to Trump and his desire to do what was right for himself and his loved ones. The trial shed light on the complexities of Cohen’s relationship with Trump and the ethical dilemmas he faced throughout his interactions with the former president.
Despite initial reluctance, Cohen eventually admitted to lying for Trump and violating his moral principles in the pursuit of his boss’s goals. The cross-examination by Blanche revealed the tensions and contradictions in Cohen’s testimony, as he struggled to recall certain details and exhibited a combative demeanor. The trial showcased the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals like Cohen, who find themselves entangled in situations that require them to choose between loyalty to their superiors and personal integrity. The proceedings offered a glimpse into the inner workings of Trump’s inner circle and the challenges faced by those who choose to speak out against him.
