Trump's team interviews crucial witness Cohen extensively.
During the hush money trial against Donald Trump, his former lawyer Michael Cohen took the stand. During cross-examination by the defense, Cohen admitted to lying under oath in the past. Jury members also heard previous audio recordings of Cohen.
In the trial about the money Michael Cohen paid to porn actress Stormy Daniels on behalf of Donald Trump, the defense team questioned Cohen intensively. Lawyer Todd Blanche played podcast recording of Cohen's statements for the jury in which he shared his thoughts regarding Trump and potential charges. Compared to his court testimonies, Cohen sounded more animated and emotional.
In one such recording from October 2020, Cohen expressed his wish that Trump would end up in prison. He said, "It won't bring back the year that was lost or the damage that was done to my family. But revenge is a dish best served cold." Cohen was seeking vengeance against Trump.
Blanche further confronted Cohen about his admittance of lying to two congressional committees about his contacts with Russian representatives. Additionally, Cohen had falsely claimed that he never agreed to travel to Russia in connection with a Trump skyscraper project or discussed any such plans with Trump. "You lied under oath about that, right?" Blanche asked. Cohen responded affirmatively and acknowledged his wrongdoing.
Cohen serves as the last witness for the prosecution
The trial revolves around the money Cohen paid to Stormy Daniels to keep her from publicly disclosing information about an alleged sexual encounter between her and Trump during the 2016 election campaign. Trump is said to have later reimbursed Cohen for the $130,000. Although the transaction itself is not disputed, the prosecution claims Trump falsified business records to conceal the reason for the payment to Cohen. This is regarded as illegal campaign financing by the prosecution. Trump denies having an intimate relationship with Daniels.
Cohen has been serving as the last witness for the prosecution. With his history of false testimonies, he poses a challenge for the prosecution. It's now up to the defense to call exonerating witnesses before the closing arguments occur. The trial resumes next week at the earliest. Trump has requested a break to attend his son Barron's graduation ceremony. In case of a conviction, Judge Juan Merchan would determine the sentence. A prison sentence of several years might be enforced, but potentially suspended on probation.
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In the ongoing trial, the defense team questioned Cohen about the process of paying hush money to Stormy Daniels, which involved Donald Trump. During the questioning, Cohen discussed his feelings of seeking revenge against Trump.
Despite his history of lying under oath, Michael Cohen completed his testimony for the prosecution, providing crucial information about the processes surrounding the hush money payment.
Source: www.ntv.de
