During Donald Trump’s trial for a serious crime, his former right-hand man, Michael Cohen, testified on Monday. He admitted that he had lied and pressured others to do things for Trump, while Trump himself watched quietly.
This testimony came after last week’s court hearings, where Stormy Daniels, who is known for acting in adult films, talked in great detail about her alleged sexual encounter with Trump. This encounter is a big part of the case against Trump.
Michael Cohen Revealed Trump’s Involvement in Hush Money Trial
Michael Cohen, who used to work closely with Donald Trump, revealed on Monday that Trump was directly involved in paying large sums of money to silence stories about his personal life that could have hurt his chances in the 2016 presidential election.
Michael Cohen said that when Trump heard about a doorman claiming Trump had a child out of wedlock, Trump told him to take care of it. The doorman was paid $30,000 to keep quiet, even though the claim turned out to be false.
A similar situation happened when Cohen told Trump about a Playboy model who said she had an affair with him. Once again, Trump instructed Cohen to make sure the story didn’t come out. The woman was paid $150,000 to stay silent.
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Michael Cohen’s Testimony and Allegations of Deception
Trump, aged 77, faces allegations of altering business records to repay his lawyer, Cohen, for a secret payment to Daniels just before the 2016 election. This move could have had serious political consequences. During the trial, Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger questioned Michael Cohen about his role as Trump’s lawyer and fixer.
Michael Cohen admitted to lying and intimidating others on Trump’s behalf, stating it was necessary to get the job done. Throughout his testimony, Cohen glanced occasionally at Trump, who appeared relaxed in his seat at the defendant’s table.
Trump Hush Money Trial Testimonials
Cohen spent just over a year in jail and another year and a half confined to his home after being found guilty of lying to Congress and financial crimes. During his trial in New York, witnesses described Cohen as manipulative, while his defense portrayed him as a habitual liar and criminal.
Cohen testified that he handled both personal and business matters for Trump, who he said avoided using email to prevent creating evidence that could be used against him.
Regarding the payment of $130,000 to Stormy Daniels, who alleges an affair with Trump in 2006, she denies threatening him, and prosecutors claim Trump tried to conceal the payment.
Stormy Daniels Testimony
In a high-stakes trial held half a year before the upcoming November election, Trump is gearing up to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden. Last week, Daniels spent nearly eight hours over two days detailing her alleged one-night encounter with Trump at a celebrity golf event, followed by the financial agreement she claims occurred thereafter.
During Daniels’s testimony, Trump mostly remained quiet but occasionally expressed frustration, criticizing the trial both to reporters outside the Manhattan courtroom and in his comments upon arrival and departure.
Trump firmly denies any sexual involvement with Daniels, with his legal team even requesting a mistrial, arguing that her testimony unfairly biases the case, which primarily revolves around financial records and election matters.
Trump’s Legal Battles
Last week, Judge Juan Merchan rejected two requests for a mistrial. Merchan ordered Trump not to publicly attack witnesses. Trump, known for insulting Stormy Daniels, hasn’t directly commented on her testimony. At a New Jersey rally, Trump criticized the judge and the prosecutor, Alvin Bragg, but avoided mentioning any witnesses due to the gag order.
Trump faces indictments in New York, Washington, and Georgia for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election. Additionally, he’s charged in Florida for mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House, but that case is on hold.
Also Read: Stormy Daniels Set to Testify in Donald Trump’s Hush Money Trial
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. What did Michael Cohen reveal about Trump in the trial?
Ans. Cohen disclosed Trump’s direct involvement in hush money payments to silence damaging stories before the 2016 election.
Q.2. What were the allegations against Trump in the trial?
Ans. Trump faced accusations of altering business records to conceal payments, potentially impacting his political future.
Q.3. What was Stormy Daniels’s testimony about?
Ans. Daniels detailed her alleged encounter with Trump and subsequent financial agreements, adding a new dimension to the trial.
Q.4. What legal challenges does Trump currently face?
Ans. Trump confronts indictments in multiple states, including accusations of election interference and mishandling classified documents.
Q.5. How has Trump responded to the trial and testimonies?
Ans. Trump has largely remained quiet but criticized the proceedings, with his legal team requesting a mistrial.
