Trump’s Fixer Cohen Testifies in ‘Hush Money’ Trial
Michael Cohen, once a close associate and now an adversary of Donald Trump, resumed his testimony Tuesday, providing detailed accounts of the former president’s alleged involvement in a hush money scheme. Cohen asserts that Trump was intimately involved in the plan to suppress stories about extramarital affairs that could have damaged his 2016 presidential campaign.
Cohen’s testimony on Monday focused on the mechanisms of the hush money payments, including the reimbursement scheme set up to conceal their true purpose. Manhattan prosecutor Susan Hoffinger meticulously guided Cohen through the process, presenting paperwork and business records that purportedly show false descriptions of the payments as legal expenses.
Cohen repeatedly emphasized that no retainer agreement existed between him and Trump, characterizing the payments as reimbursements rather than compensation for legal services. This distinction is crucial, as prosecutors allege that the reimbursement records deliberately misrepresented the purpose of the payments.
Under questioning, Cohen disclosed that he received $420,000 from Trump’s personal account for the hush money transactions. He claims that Trump was fully informed of the payments and instructed him to prevent the release of damaging stories. Cohen’s revelations implicate Trump’s direct involvement in the scheme, which could have significant legal consequences for the former president.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges. His defense team is expected to challenge Cohen’s credibility, highlighting his past legal troubles and portraying him as a vindictive and unreliable witness driven by an agenda to discredit Trump.
Despite the defense’s anticipated attacks, prosecutors intend to rely on Cohen’s testimony as a key element of their case. They have acknowledged Cohen’s criminal history but hope to bolster his credibility by calling additional witnesses to support his account.
The trial has attracted significant attention, with Trump’s presence at the courthouse alongside supporters and his public attacks on the justice system. The proceedings have exposed the deep political divide in the United States and raised questions about accountability for former presidents.
As the trial progresses, Cohen’s testimony will remain a central focus, as his detailed account of Trump’s alleged involvement in the hush money scheme could significantly influence the outcome.
