Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former fixer and lawyer, is expected to take the stand in the Manhattan district attorney’s case against the former president. Numerous witnesses have painted an unflattering picture of Cohen, describing him as aggressive, impulsive, and unlikeable. Cohen is expected to testify about Trump’s alleged involvement in a $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, as well as the reimbursement of that payment.
Prosecutors are relying on Cohen to provide testimony that can help prove Trump falsified business records in relation to the payment to Daniels. Cohen is the only witness who will testify about Trump’s alleged role in the decision to pay Daniels and the plan to reimburse Cohen. Prosecutors allege that Trump and Cohen agreed on a payment arrangement during a February 2017 meeting, leading to 34 criminal charges in the case.
Despite concerns about Cohen’s credibility, prosecutors have introduced evidence such as phone records, emails, text messages, and bank records to bolster his credibility with the jury. Cohen is expected to face intense cross-examination from Trump’s attorney, who will likely question his credibility and suggest that Trump was unaware of the payment arrangement. This trial marks the culmination of a long journey for Cohen, who served three years in prison for federal campaign finance charges related to the payoff.
The charges against Trump stem from events during the 2016 election, with Cohen’s guilty plea in 2018 playing a crucial role in implicating Trump in the campaign finance scheme. Cohen also pleaded guilty to tax charges and lying to Congress about a Trump Tower project in Moscow. After serving his sentence, Cohen has released books and launched a podcast attacking Trump and supporting his prosecution. Both Cohen and Trump have engaged in public disputes leading up to the trial, disregarding a gag order barring discussion of witnesses.
Witnesses in the trial have been critical of Cohen, describing him as prone to exaggeration, aggressive, and unlikeable. Witnesses who interacted with Cohen, such as former banker Gary Farro, described him as an urgent and aggressive individual. Cohen’s former attorney Keith Davidson recalled negative interactions with Cohen during the negotiation of the hush money deal with Stormy Daniels. Others who did not interact with Cohen as frequently also had negative opinions of him, highlighting his inflated sense of influence and unhelpful actions during the 2016 campaign.
Overall, the trial involving Michael Cohen as a key witness against Donald Trump portrays a tense and high-stakes legal battle. Cohen’s testimony is expected to provide crucial evidence in proving Trump’s alleged involvement in the campaign finance scheme. Despite criticisms of Cohen’s character and credibility, prosecutors have presented evidence to support their case. The trial represents a significant moment in the ongoing legal challenges faced by both Cohen and Trump.
