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Judge Suggests Michael Cohen May Have Committed Perjury, Denies Early Probation End

Michael Cohen leaves a lower Manhattan building after meeting with prosecutors, March 10, 2023, in New York. | Mary Altaffer/AP

In a recent development, Federal Judge Jesse M. Furman questioned the truthfulness of Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer to ex-President Donald Trump, suggesting possible perjury under oath. This lends fresh support to Trump’s assertions regarding Cohen’s credibility, particularly as Cohen is expected to be a key witness in Trump’s upcoming New York criminal trial.

Judge Furman’s skepticism arose from Cohen’s testimony during Trump’s civil fraud trial last October, where Cohen denied guilt for tax evasion despite previously pleading guilty to the charge in 2018. Furman highlighted Cohen’s conflicting statements, raising concerns about his honesty. Consequently, Cohen’s request for early release from court supervision, following a three-year prison sentence for various crimes, including tax evasion and violating campaign finance laws, was denied.

Trump’s criticism of Cohen’s credibility gained traction as Furman’s findings aligned with Trump’s assertions of Cohen’s untrustworthiness. However, Cohen’s lawyer contested the judge’s conclusion, emphasizing Cohen’s adherence to the truth during the trial and attributing discrepancies to the pressure of coercive plea deals.

While Trump’s legal team seeks to discredit Cohen’s testimony in the upcoming hush-money trial, Judge Juan M. Merchan rejected their arguments, citing a lack of precedent for barring a witness based on past actions alone.

This development underscores the complexities surrounding Cohen’s role in legal proceedings involving Trump, highlighting ongoing tensions and legal battles between the two figures.

Analysis: This news highlights the ongoing legal saga involving Michael Cohen and Donald Trump, shedding light on the intricacies of their contentious relationship and its implications for future legal proceedings. The judge’s skepticism regarding Cohen’s testimony underscores the challenges of establishing credibility in high-profile trials, particularly when witnesses have a history of legal entanglements.

Trump’s continued efforts to undermine Cohen’s credibility reflect broader political strategies aimed at shaping public perception and legal outcomes. However, the judiciary’s insistence on evaluating testimonies based on merit rather than past actions reaffirms the importance of impartiality and adherence to legal standards.

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