NPR's Domenico Montanaro and Boston University's Jed Shugerman discuss Stormy Daniels' testimony in Trump's hush money trial, Michael Cohen's upcoming testimony, and the impact on Trump's defense team. The trial focuses on a payment made years after the alleged encounter between Trump and Daniels, with legal implications and potential outcomes being analyzed.
Stormy Daniels' detailed testimony raised questions about the credibility of the alleged encounter and the implications of hush money in the case.
The legal intricacies of the trial highlighted concerns about establishing intent to defraud and the unprecedented use of federal election campaign act laws.
Deep dives
Stormy Daniels Testimony and Alleged Encounter with Trump
During Stormy Daniels' testimony, she detailed her encounter with Trump in 2006 at Lake Tahoe, emphasizing her alleged sexual encounter and the subsequent hush money payment during the 2016 presidential election. Daniels' detailed account included seeing Trump in satin pajamas and going through his toiletry bag. Despite Trump's denials, Daniels' testimony raised questions about the credibility of the alleged encounter and the business fraud implications at the core of the case.
Legal Concerns and Prosecution Strategy
The podcast delves into the legal intricacies of the case, highlighting concerns about the prosecution's approach and the need for clarity in establishing the felony charges related to falsified business records. The discussions touch on the unprecedented use of federal election campaign act laws in this state prosecution, posing potential implications for future legal cases. While witness testimonies unfold, the focus remains on proving Trump's intent to defraud and violate campaign finance laws beyond a reasonable doubt.
Upcoming Testimony by Michael Cohen and Potential Outcomes
Looking ahead, the podcast anticipates Michael Cohen as a crucial witness and the potential impact on the case's legal narrative and appeal considerations. The significance of Cohen's testimony lies in establishing intent and credibility, essential factors for the jury's decision-making process. Amidst political and legal complexities, the podcast addresses the possible outcomes post-conviction, emphasizing the legal nuances around presidential pardons and state convictions, while also considering the trial's broader implications on American democracy.
For this episode of Trump's Trials, host Scott Detrow speaks with NPR senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro and Boston University law professor Jed Shugerman.
This week adult film actress Stormy Daniels testified about her alleged sexual encounter with former president Donald Trump in 2006. Daniels described the encounter, which Trump denies took place, in great detail. Although whether or not Trump and Daniels had sex is not what the jury will rule on, it is the alleged event that led to a payment 10 years later that lies at the heart of the case.
Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen is expected to testify on Monday. His testimony will be key for the prosecution's case. And calling Cohen's testimony into question will be a top priority for Trump's defense team.
Topics include: - Stormy Daniels' testimony - Stormy Daniels' impact on the case - Michael Cohen to testify