Special coverage: Donald Trump found guilty of all charges in New York hush money trial
May 31, 2024
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Former Trump attorney and star witness Michael Cohen discusses the significance of Trump's convictions, the rule of law, and the defense strategies in a high-profile legal case. The podcast explores the implications of a unanimous jury verdict in Trump's impeachment trial and the potential consequences he may face, including a prison sentence. It also delves into the legal procedures following Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts.
Michael Cohen demonstrated unwavering commitment to truth despite intense scrutiny in the trial.
Donald Trump likely to deflect accountability for legal losses by blaming external factors.
Michael Cohen warns against seeking power under Trump's influence due to potential personal and legal consequences.
Honesty and composure in testimony strengthened Michael Cohen's credibility and case during the trial.
Deep dives
Michael Cohen's Testimony and the Knockout Punch Questioned
During Michael Cohen's testimony in the trial, he faced a dramatic moment when the credibility of his account was challenged by Todd Blanche regarding a phone call. Blanche insisted that Cohen spoke to someone else about harassing calls, not to Donald Trump about Stormy Daniels. Despite the intensity, Cohen stayed firm in his testimony, leading to later corroborated evidence supporting his initial claim.
Confronting Trump's Response to Humiliation and Failure
Michael Cohen reflects on Donald Trump's responses to previous major failures, like losing the 2020 election. Cohen anticipates that Trump will deflect accountability for his recent legal losses by blaming others, suggesting a pattern of evading responsibility for his actions and consequences. Cohen expects Trump to shift blame onto external factors to avoid personal accountability.
Advising Those Seeking Power Under Trump
Michael Cohen cautions individuals seeking power under Trump's influence based on his own experiences. He highlights the inevitable downfall of loyalty to Trump, emphasizing the legal repercussions faced by former associates like Alan Weisselberg and Jeff Sessions. Cohen warns aspiring loyalists about the transformative impact of aligning with Trump, leading to personal and professional devastation.
Navigating Cross-Examination and Maintaining Truthfulness
Daniel Perry, Michael Cohen's attorney, discusses the strategic approach during Cohen's cross-examination, emphasizing the significance of maintaining honesty and composure under questioning. Despite a challenging moment regarding a phone call detail, Cohen's steadfast adherence to the truth, even without prior knowledge of certain evidence, reinforced the credibility of his testimony and contributed to the overall strength of his case.
Trump's Conviction and the Impact on His Public Image
Donald Trump's conviction on all 34 felony counts marks a significant moment in his life. Despite his attempts to portray himself as an outlaw and a tough guy, the guilty verdict demonstrates his inability to convince the jury of his innocence. This loss of the charm and sales pitch that he relied on reveals the depth of his fear of humiliation and being labeled a loser. The imminent sentencing on July 11th raises questions about potential prison time or probation, which could drastically alter his future.
Legal Procedures Post-Conviction and Before the Presidential Nomination
Following the guilty verdict, Trump's legal team may file a motion to set aside the verdict, potentially delaying the sentencing process. The probation report, not indicating actual probation for Trump, will be crucial for the judge to determine the appropriate sentence. Trump's sentencing on July 11th is expected to precede his appeal, which may only be decided by early 2025, regardless of his potential presidential candidacy.
Appeals Process and Court Proceedings
The appeals process following Trump's conviction will proceed in the normal course, regardless of his presidential ambitions. Trump's presence in court for the appeals process is not mandatory, and the proceedings will be handled similarly to any other defendant's appeal. The probation report will serve as essential information for the sentencing decision, providing insights into factors that may influence the judge's decision.
