Trump's defense team grills Michael Cohen in cross-examination
May 14, 2024
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Former Trump fixer Michael Cohen testifies against his ex-boss, discusses mislabeled checks and loyalty. Trump's defense grills Cohen on social media statements and desire to see Trump in jail. Cohen expected to be final prosecution witness. Topics: Cohen's testimony, cross-examination
Trump's defense team focused on discrediting Cohen by highlighting his negative statements about Trump.
Despite attempts to undermine Cohen's credibility, defense did not delve into specifics regarding Trump's involvement in hush money payments.
Deep dives
Cross-Examination of Michael Cohen
During the trial, Donald Trump's defense team cross-examined Michael Cohen, focusing on discrediting him by highlighting his negative statements about Trump and implying ulterior motives due to financial gains from book sales. Despite attempts to undermine Cohen's credibility, the defense did not delve into specifics regarding Trump's involvement in the hush money payments, avoiding key testimony surrounding reimbursement for such payments.
Cohen's Testimony and Emotional Impact
Michael Cohen maintained his story that Trump was aware of hush money payments, detailing how Trump deceived about his involvement in the payment scheme. Despite facing intense scrutiny, Cohen remained composed during cross-examination, revealing emotional moments when discussing his fallout with Trump and their last conversation. Cohen disclosed reaching a guilty plea due to campaign finance violations orchestrated for Trump's benefit, emphasizing his disloyalty towards the former president.
Prosecution's Strategy and Implications on Trump
The prosecution strategically built its case around Cohen's direct conversations implicating Trump in the hush money scheme, supported by prior evidence and testimonies. Trump's connection to falsified business records was hinted at through the acknowledgment of his involvement in hush money payments during crucial moments in his campaign. The defense aimed to discredit Cohen's credibility but faced challenges, leaving the jury to contemplate Cohen's motives and the overall impact on Trump's legal position.
Donald Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen spent a second day on the witness stand testifying against his one time boss. Cohen mostly testified about purposefully mislabeling checks, false receipts and his previous loyalty to Trump.
Cohen was aggressively cross-examined by Trump's defense team over social media statements he's made about Trump and whether he wants to see Trump in jail. Cohen is expected to be the final witness for the prosecution then defense will present their case to the jury.
Topics include: - Cohen testimony - Cross-examination of Cohen