In the ongoing criminal trial against former President Donald Trump, his former lawyer Michael Cohen is scheduled to take the witness stand after adult film actress Stormy Daniels finished testifying. Both Cohen and Daniels are key witnesses in the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case involving falsifying business records. Cohen’s testimony is expected to last multiple days, with the prosecution aiming to rest their case soon. Trump’s attorney has asked the judge to bar Cohen from commenting publicly on the case, as he has been vocal in his criticism of Trump. Despite objections from Trump’s legal team, the judge directed the DA to ask Cohen to stop speaking about the case.
Daniels provided testimony about her alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which was allegedly paid off by Cohen with a $130,000 payment. Trump has denied the allegations, pleading not guilty to falsifying business records related to these payments. The trial also heard from Madeleine Westerhout, Trump’s former executive assistant, who praised Trump as a good boss with a close relationship with his wife, Melania. However, Daniels’ testimony painted a different picture, alleging that Trump had made advances on her and brushed off concerns about his wife. Westerhout testified about Trump signing checks for various expenses, including the payments to Cohen, which prosecutors argue shows Trump’s awareness of the purpose of the funds.
Witnesses in the trial included analysts authenticating phone records and paralegals testifying about Trump’s social media posts aimed at influencing potential legal threats. Testimony included text messages between National Enquirer executives discussing payments to suppress stories about Trump and his alleged affairs. Trump’s legal team moved for a mistrial following Daniels’ testimony about the lack of condom usage during their encounter, but the judge denied the request. The prosecution is hopeful they will wrap up their case by May 21, with the possibility of Trump testifying in his defense still up in the air.
The added testimony from Cohen is expected to shed light on his involvement in the hush money payments made on behalf of Trump, as well as his understanding of the falsified business records. Cohen has been a vocal critic of Trump since his legal troubles began, and his appearance on the stand will likely further expose the inner workings of Trump’s legal affairs. The trial has already uncovered details about Trump’s financial arrangements and personal behavior, contrasting with the image of a devoted husband and family man painted by some witnesses. The outcome of this high-profile trial could have significant implications for Trump and his associates, as well as potential legal consequences for the former president.
