Michael Cohen testified in court that he repeatedly lied about the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels to protect Donald Trump. Prosecutors allege that Trump falsified business records in relation to the payments and that Cohen was following Trump’s directions in handling the payments. Cohen testified that Trump had approved an invoice he sent for legal services that he never actually provided, and that Trump told him to deal with Allen Weisselberg for reimbursement. Cohen’s fortunes changed in 2018 after FBI raids on his home and office and his subsequent cooperation with the Mueller investigation.
Cohen’s testimony implicates Trump in the payments to Stormy Daniels, as well as efforts to suppress other damaging stories. Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, attempted to discredit Cohen, labeling him a serial liar. Cohen admitted to providing false statements to Congress about a Trump Tower project in Moscow and spoke about the potentially catastrophic impact Daniels’ story could have had on Trump’s campaign. Cohen detailed how he delivered the payment to Daniels through a shell company and how Weisselberg orchestrated repayment to him from Trump.
Prominent Republican figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Eric Trump, and Lara Trump, were in court supporting Trump. However, Trump’s challenge to a gag order preventing him from attacking Cohen, Daniels, and other witnesses was rejected by an appeals court. Weisselberg, who was instrumental in arranging the repayment of the hush money, is in jail on perjury charges. It remains unclear if Trump himself will testify in the case against him involving the falsifying of business records.
Cohen’s testimony serves as a critical piece of evidence against Trump, connecting him directly to the hush money payment scheme. Trump’s attorney has attempted to undermine Cohen’s credibility by highlighting his past criminal behavior. With prosecutors expected to wrap up their case soon, the outcome of the trial will determine Trump’s legal fate. Trump’s high-profile supporters in court indicate the significance of the case, as well as the potential political ramifications for Trump. Despite attempting to challenge the gag order, Trump and his allies continue to face legal obstacles in defending against the allegations surrounding the hush money payments and falsification of business records.
