The Daily Blast: Michael Cohen’s Testimony Exposes the Ugly Lunacy of the Trump “Cult”
May 15, 2024
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Former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori discusses how Trump's lawyers' devotion to the former president is clouding their legal strategy. Michael Cohen's testimony exposes the 'Trump cult' mentality, with lawyers facing challenges in discrediting him. The podcast delves into the intricate details of the Hush Money trial, highlighting the defense team's denial backfiring and the impact on the case's credibility.
Trump's legal team's focus on loyalty highlights Trump's demand for unwavering devotion from associates.
Defense's attempt to discredit Cohen's testimony by emphasizing his past loyalty may backfire.
Deep dives
Cohen's Damning Testimony in the Hush Money Trial
Michael Cohen's testimony against Donald Trump in the Hush Money trial revealed details about Cohen's payment to Stormy Daniels and Trump's involvement in reimbursing him. The prosecutors presented evidence of the fraudulent bookkeeping used to cover up the payment, supporting the prosecution's case. While Cohen's testimony confirmed the existence of the Hush Money scheme, it lacked direct evidence of Trump's awareness of the scheme's legal implications, leaving room for interpretation by the jurors.
Defense Strategy and Cohen's Alleged Vengeance
Trump's defense lawyers attempted to undermine Cohen's credibility by highlighting his past loyalty to Trump and suggesting his current testimony stems from vengeance. However, the defense's focus on Cohen's loyalty backfired by emphasizing Trump's demand for unwavering loyalty, shedding light on the cult-like devotion Trump expects from his confidantes. The defense's strategy of portraying Cohen as seeking revenge may not effectively discredit his testimony, potentially weakening their case.
Trump's Lawyer's Mistakes and Engaging Stormy Daniels
Trump's lawyers made crucial errors, such as denying Trump's encounter with Stormy Daniels, which bolstered Daniels' credibility and undermined the defense's integrity. By challenging Daniels' account and focusing on Cohen's past lies, the defense unwittingly elevated Daniels' stature and strengthened her testimony. The defense's missteps in dealing with key witnesses like Stormy Daniels risked diminishing their own credibility and playing into the prosecution's narrative.
Trump's Legal Strategy and Cult-Like Loyalty
Trump's legal defense strategy reflects his demand for unconditional loyalty and aggressive denial tactics reminiscent of Roy Cohn's approach. By pushing his lawyers to attack and deny without nuance, Trump's legal team risks backfiring and harming their case. The emphasis on loyalty and attacking accusers may hinder the defense's efforts to undermine key witnesses and maintain credibility in the courtroom.
On Tuesday, when Michael Cohen testified against Donald Trump, the former president’s lawyers reminded jurors that Cohen was once slavishly devoted to Trump and used to lie relentlessly on his behalf—before Cohen turned on him. Cohen responded by admitting it: Yes, he was once a member of the Trump “cult.” Which is apt: Again and again, Trump’s own lawyers have seemingly designed their strategy around flattering Trump as much as serving his legal needs. We talked to Ankush Khardori, a former federal prosecutor and senior writer for Politico Magazine, who explained how Trump’s lawyers are making serious mistakes that are rooted in his demand for absolute devotion.