Results for: Hush Money Payments

Former President Donald Trump’s legal team opened a high-stakes trial by attacking key prosecution witness Michael Cohen, casting doubt on his credibility and trustworthiness. Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, asserted that Cohen’s animosity towards Trump and his desire for revenge made him an unreliable witness. Blanche cited Cohen’s previous criticisms of Trump, his denied appointment in Trump’s administration, and his financial reliance on Trump’s downfall. However, prosecutors maintain that Trump directed a cover-up involving Cohen’s reimbursement payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, violating New York campaign finance law.

The criminal trial against former President Donald Trump commenced with opening arguments on Monday, following last week’s jury selection. Trump faces allegations of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments made to Michael Cohen and other individuals during the 2016 election. Despite facing 34 felony charges, Trump denies any wrongdoing. The prosecution is set to present witnesses, including Michael Cohen and adult film actress Stormy Daniels, while Trump’s defense is expected to call Hope Hicks and David Pecker to testify. The trial is expected to conclude before the end of 2024 and could impact Trump’s potential candidacy in the 2024 presidential election.

Former President Trump condemned the opening of his New York criminal trial on Monday, claiming it was politically motivated and intended to damage his chances in the upcoming presidential election. He has denied all charges against him. Trump’s attorney, Will Scharf, emphasized the defense’s focus on facts to prove Trump’s innocence, while Trump himself lashed out at New York Attorney General Letitia James and Judge Arthur Engoron over an ongoing civil fraud case.