Former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen testifies in court, linking Trump to hush money payments for 2016 campaign influence, amid ongoing criminal case.
Michael Cohen, former lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, testified in a Manhattan courtroom, stating that Trump was central to a hush money scheme designed to influence the 2016 presidential campaign. During the testimony, Cohen claimed that everything he did required Trump’s approval, including arrangements to suppress damaging stories through financial settlements. He specifically mentioned payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, claiming these were made to prevent negative publicity that could affect Trump’s campaign.
Cohen’s allegations are part of a broader criminal case where Trump is facing 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records, which Cohen suggests were manipulated to disguise the true nature of the payments as legal expenses. Despite Trump pleading not guilty and denying the sexual encounters, Cohen’s testimony aimed to directly connect Trump to these payments and their concealment.
The defense is expected to challenge Cohen’s credibility, pointing out his criminal record and previous lies. Cohen has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the payments and was once disbarred. His testimony is seen as crucial due to his direct communication with Trump about the incidents that prosecutors are scrutinizing. Cohen’s current statements and past allegations against Trump continue to contribute to the legal and political narrative surrounding the former president as he faces these charges.
