Economist Podcasts Expenses claims: Trump’s hush-money trial
4 snips
May 15, 2024 
Kenneth Werner, a journalist covering Donald Trump's trials, shares insights into the hush-money trial, dissecting Michael Cohen's pivotal testimony and its implications. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, dives into the militia problem, highlighting how weak governments struggle with armed groups reshaping power dynamics. The discussion also touches on the evolving portrayal of sexuality in film, revealing trends towards less but more explicit content in contemporary cinema.
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Hush Money Payment
- Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, paid hush money to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
- Prosecutors allege this payment violated campaign finance laws and that Trump falsified records to conceal it.
Cohen's Testimony
- Cohen's testimony is crucial for the prosecution, claiming Trump directed the hush money payment and reimbursement scheme.
- He directly contradicts the defense's potential argument that Cohen acted independently.
Defense Strategy
- Trump's defense aims to discredit Cohen, highlighting past lies and suggesting motives of revenge and financial gain.
- They emphasized Cohen's book profits and social media attacks on Trump.
