Michael Cohen has completed his testimony in the New York criminal case against former President Donald Trump. Monday marked Cohen’s fourth and final day on the witness stand, concluding the prosecution’s case.
Cohen’s Testimony and Allegations
Hush-Money Payment Details
In October 2016, Michael Cohen transferred $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to secure her silence about an alleged affair with Trump. Cohen maintained that he made the payment under Trump’s orders and was reimbursed through deceptive means, disguised as legal expenses.
Defence Strategy
Attacking Cohen’s Credibility
On Cohen’s last day of testimony, the defence sought to undermine his credibility by highlighting his past dishonesty and theft. Cohen admitted to stealing $30,000 from the Trump Organization, which he pocketed after hiring Red Finch to manipulate an online poll in Trump’s favor.
The defence emphasized Cohen’s criminal history, including his guilty plea to campaign finance violations and other federal crimes in 2018. They also highlighted his financial gains from media appearances and consulting contracts post-2016.
Transition to Defence Case
Shifting the Focus
With the prosecution’s case rested, the trial now moves to the defence. Trump’s lawyers argue that Cohen and other figures, like former CFO Allen Weisselberg, are responsible for any wrongdoing. The defence’s witness list is expected to be brief due to the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.
Trump’s Denial
Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and refuted Daniels’s claims of an affair. He faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, allegedly to conceal the hush-money payment and enhance his chances in the 2016 presidential election.
Key Moments from Cohen’s Final Testimony
Cohen Admits to Theft
In a significant moment, Cohen admitted to stealing $30,000 from the Trump Organization. He had hired Red Finch to boost Trump’s ranking in an online poll and pocketed the difference when Trump reduced his holiday bonus.
Financial Gains from Media
The defence also questioned Cohen about his financial gains from media appearances, revealing he made approximately $4.4 million from books and podcasts critical of Trump.
Defence’s First Witnesses
Initial Witnesses and Testimonies
The defence called Daniel Sitko, a paralegal for defence lawyer Todd Blanche, to present a chart of phone calls between Cohen and Robert Costello. Costello, who testified next, aimed to rebut Cohen’s claims, asserting that Cohen had lied about Trump’s knowledge of the hush-money payments.
Tensions in the Courtroom
Costello’s testimony was tense, with audible reactions to prosecution objections. Judge Juan Merchan addressed Costello directly about courtroom decorum before allowing him to resume his testimony.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Prosecution Rests, Defence Continues
The prosecution rested its case after highlighting that Trump’s actions, not Cohen’s, are on trial. As the defence continues, they seek to dismantle Cohen’s narrative and clear Trump of any wrongdoing.
Trump’s Statements
Outside the courtroom, Trump reiterated his claims of political persecution and declared that the prosecution had “no case” and “no crime.”
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