In a pivotal courtroom appearance on Monday, Michael Cohen, former “fixer” to ex-President Donald Trump, delivered testimony that significantly undermined the legal defense of the former president, creating a substantial gap in his legal strategy.
Contrary to assertions by Trump’s legal team that he was unaware of the $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, Cohen testified unequivocally that Trump was fully informed about every aspect of the transaction. Cohen asserted that not only did Trump authorize the payments to Daniels as part of a cover-up of their affair prior to the 2016 election, but he also personally committed to reimbursing Cohen for the expenses incurred.
Under questioning from prosecutor Susan Hoffinger, Cohen emphasized that Trump’s approval was a prerequisite for any financial disbursements related to the matter. He further highlighted Trump’s explicit assurance to reimburse him for the incurred expenses, stating, “Everything required a sign-off from Mr. Trump.”
Cohen’s testimony directly contradicts the defense put forth by Trump’s legal team, which aimed to distance Trump from the hush-money payments, attributing them solely to Cohen without Trump’s knowledge. However, Cohen’s account aligns with similar allegations from other witnesses, including Keith Davidson, Daniels’s former attorney, who testified to his belief that Trump was the ultimate source of the funds.
Following his appearance in the Manhattan courthouse, Cohen criticized the trial and Judge Juan Merchan, labeling it a “scam.” In response, Trump denounced the trial as a “terrible thing” happening to democracy, labeling it a “rigged deal” and asserting that there was “no fraud” or “crime” involved.
Trump faces 34 felony charges, including allegations of falsifying business records to conceal underlying criminal activities. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts, maintaining his innocence amidst mounting legal challenges.
