Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen testifies to stealing thousands of dollars from Trump Organization and implicates Trump in hush money scandal, as Manhattan trial continues with explosive testimonies and legal battles.
In the Manhattan criminal trial concerning Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, the former lawyer and personal fixer for Trump, testified over four days. Cohen admitted to various offenses under cross-examination, including stealing tens of thousands of dollars from the Trump Organization. He acknowledged requesting and receiving $100,000 for a technical services payment when he only dispensed $20,000, pocketing the rest. This admission surfaced amidst efforts by Trump’s legal team to depict Cohen as unreliable due to his past crimes and lies, including those to Congress.
The case revolves around whether Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 hush-money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Cohen testified that Trump approved the reimbursement plan for this payment. Trump’s attorneys argue these payments were for legal services, not for covering up the hush money.
The defense also called attorney Robert Costello, who recounted a frantic Cohen in 2018 claiming he held no incriminating information about Trump—a statement Cohen has since contradicted. The courtroom saw intense moments, including Judge Juan Merchan reprimanding Costello for inappropriate conduct.
Prosecutors rested their case on Monday, setting the stage for the defense, which may conclude quickly. The trial is heading toward closing arguments next week, with the jury expected to deliberate following Memorial Day. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, with potential consequences including probation or imprisonment.