Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former personal fixer and ex-attorney, testified on Monday in the civil fraud case against Trump. Cohen, who is the prosecution’s most important witness, provided his family background and recalled how he was ‘honored’ by Trump’s job offer. He worked closely with Trump and was responsible for renegotiating bills on his behalf. Cohen also said that Trump had an ‘open door policy’ and that he was required to keep the president updated on his work.
Alina Habba, Donald Trump’s legal spokesperson, has criticized Judge Engoron for his alleged lack of understanding of the bond in Trump’s civil fraud case in New York. While Engoron allowed the bond provided by Knight Specialty Insurance Company, Habba claims the judge suggested it may not be secure due to potential market changes. Despite the judge’s ruling in Trump’s favor, Habba argues that Engoron does not grasp basic financial principles. The Attorney General’s office has since claimed that Trump has agreed to resolve bond-related concerns, casting the bond arguments in a different light.
Judge Juan Merchan has ruled that prosecutors can question former President Donald Trump about the civil fraud case against him and his company if he takes the stand during his ongoing criminal trial. The ruling comes after a “Sandoval” hearing, where prosecutors and Trump’s lawyers argued over the scope of questioning. Prosecutors have indicated their desire to question Trump about various court determinations, including the fraud case and defamation cases filed by E. Jean Carroll. The decision on Trump’s potential testimony remains uncertain, with his team expected to make a final decision based on the scope of questioning allowed by the court.
