Michael Cohen, former personal attorney and “fixer” for Donald Trump, appeared at Trump’s criminal hush money trial in New York as a changed man. While Cohen was known for his aggressive and confrontational demeanor in the past, during his testimony, he was calm, polite, and focused on his family. He revealed that it was his family’s urging that led him to turn on Trump after the FBI raid on his home and office. Cohen expressed regret for the unethical actions he took to defend Trump, noting that he violated his moral compass and suffered consequences along with his family.
Despite Cohen’s apparent transformation, defense attorney Todd Blanche highlighted another side of him during cross-examination, suggesting that Cohen may still harbor resentment and animosity towards Trump. Blanche brought up Cohen’s past attacks on him and Trump in various media platforms, questioning Cohen’s credibility as a witness. Cohen’s extensive use of the media has raised concerns about his motives and reliability as a witness, considering his past admission of lying under oath in Congress in 2017. Cohen’s media appearances, podcasts, and books have also generated significant income for him, as he can no longer practice as an attorney due to being disbarred.
Cohen’s public persona as a loud, brash commentator on current events contrasts with his portrayal in court as a repentant family man. His use of platforms like TikTok and podcasts to express his views and criticisms of Trump has been seen as opportunistic by Trump’s defense team. However, Cohen maintains that his media presence serves as an outlet for his thoughts and feelings, especially given his struggles with sleep and mental health. Despite the conflicting portrayals of Cohen, it is unclear how the jury will perceive him and which version of him will ultimately prevail during the trial.
The ongoing cross-examination with Blanche is crucial in determining Cohen’s credibility and reliability as a witness. While Cohen has shown a willingness to reflect on his past actions and express remorse for his involvement with Trump, his confrontational and outspoken nature in media appearances raises questions about his motivations and intentions. Ultimately, Cohen’s testimony and the jury’s interpretation of his character will have significant implications for the trial and potentially impact future legal proceedings involving Trump. Cohen’s complex and multifaceted personality, as described by former prosecutor Mark Pomerantz, is at the center of the debate about his role in seeking justice and accountability. The outcome of the trial will hinge on the jury’s assessment of Cohen’s credibility, motives, and overarching narrative.
