In a pre-taped interview that aired Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump defied a court gag order by attacking Michael Cohen, a key witness in his hush-money criminal trial. During his conversation with WPVI’s Walter Perez, taped Tuesday morning ahead of a contempt hearing, Trump labeled his former fixer a ‘liar’ with ‘no credibility.’ This latest broadside against Cohen came despite repeated warnings from Judge Juan Merchan that Trump has breached the gag order at least ten times through statements on social media and his campaign website. Prosecutors have urged the judge to fine Trump $1,000 per violation.
Judge Merchan’s heated exchange with Trump attorney Todd Blanche indicated that the ex-president’s patience was wearing thin. He scolded Trump’s lawyers for failing to present any evidence to defend against his client’s repeated attacks on jurors and witnesses. ‘You’ve presented nothing,’ Merchan fumed. ‘You’re losing all credibility with the court.’
In the ten-minute interview, Perez asked Trump about his concerns regarding Cohen’s upcoming testimony. Trump responded by labeling Cohen a ‘convicted liar’ who had ‘no credibility whatsoever.’ He reiterated that his former lawyer’s legal troubles were unrelated to their professional relationship.
Trump’s latest comments may be added to the list of violations, according to former Trump attorney Tim Parlatore. However, CNN legal analyst Elie Honig argued that the timing of the interview is irrelevant, as it violated the gag order both before and after the hearing.
Cohen will testify about his role in arranging a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016 to suppress her alleged affair with Trump. Cohen pleaded guilty to campaign finance charges related to the payment and other attempts to bury potentially damaging stories about Trump. Former National Enquirer chief David Pecker has already testified about the tabloid’s efforts to ‘catch-and-kill’ negative Trump stories before the 2016 election.
