Trump Allies Flock to Criminal Trial, Cohen Testifies as Prosecution’s Last Witness
In a show of support for former President Donald Trump, a number of high-profile Republican allies gathered at the Lower Manhattan courthouse for the 17th day of his criminal trial. Among those present were House Speaker Mike Johnson, Representatives Byron Donalds and Cory Mills, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The attendees emphasized their support for Trump and denied any coordination with his campaign.
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal attorney, took the stand as the prosecution’s last witness. Cohen testified that he was reimbursed $420,000 for the $130,000 payment he made to Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 election. He further stated that former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg facilitated the reimbursement and that Trump was aware of the arrangement.
Under cross-examination by Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, Cohen acknowledged making negative statements about Trump in the past. Cohen admitted to admiring Trump but denied being obsessed with him. Blanche questioned Cohen’s credibility, citing his false statements to Congress and the media. Cohen responded that he had apologized for his past actions and expressed regret for acting in a way that suppressed information relevant to the public’s decision-making process during the 2016 election.
Despite Trump’s appeal, the gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan remains in place, preventing him from commenting on witnesses or court staff. However, his attorneys have indicated that they intend to pursue an appeal to the New York Court of Appeals.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass confirmed that Cohen was the prosecution’s final witness. Cross-examination of Cohen is expected to continue on Thursday, as court does not convene on Wednesdays.
