Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen took the stand on Monday morning to offer damning testimony against his former boss and friend in the criminal trial of former President Trump. Cohen, the star witness for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, has provided detailed accounts of Trump’s alleged involvement in falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Bragg has charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, alleging that the former president sought to conceal the hush money payment made to Daniels in order to silence her claims of a sexual encounter with Trump in the early 2000s. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains his innocence.
Cohen’s testimony has been highly anticipated, as he was once a close confidant and personal attorney to Trump. However, their relationship soured, and Cohen has since become a vocal critic of his former boss.
Cohen testified that Trump directed him to arrange the hush money payment to Daniels and that the former president was aware of the payment and its purpose. Cohen also provided evidence that Trump reimbursed him for the payment through a series of $35,000 payments disguised as legal fees.
Trump’s defense attorneys have sought to downplay Cohen’s testimony, arguing that the payments to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses unrelated to the hush money payment. However, Cohen’s testimony has provided strong evidence against Trump, and the trial is expected to continue with further testimony and cross-examination.
The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Trump, as a conviction could result in significant fines and potential jail time. The trial is being closely watched by legal experts and the public alike, as it sheds light on the inner workings of the Trump Organization and the former president’s alleged involvement in financial crimes.
