Michael Cohen Takes the Stand in Trump Hush Money Trial
Do you think Trump is guilty?
Updated May 15, 2024, 11:30 a.m. EST
- Michael Cohen, once Trump's personal lawyer, faced cross-examination in the former president's criminal trial this week. Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, attacked Cohen for being evasive on the stand, having selective memory, and profiting off of his dislike of Trump.
- Cohen claims that the $130,000 at the center of the case was paid to Stormy Daniels after Trump directly told him to do so in order to keep Daniels from speaking publicly about a 2006 affair.
Updated May 9, 2024, 5:00 p.m. EST
- Adult film star Stormy Daniels, also known as Stephanie Clifford, spent two days on the stand in the criminal trial against Donald Trump. She sparred with the former president's lawyers over her motivation for signing the $130,000 settlement and nondisclosure agreement at the core of the trial, paid to her by Michael D. Cohen.
- Lawyer Susan Necheles pressed Daniels on her role as an adult film star, director, and screenwriter, attempting to discredit Daniels' story. Necheles tried to get Daniels to display inconsistencies in her recollections and admit that her story was fabricated, which prompted claims of denial from Daniels and sustained objections from the prosecution.
- Trump continues to plead not guilty to the 34 felony charges he faces and claims the trial is "election interference" as it disrupts his 2024 presidential campaign.
Updated May 6, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST
- The criminal trial to determine whether Trump is guilty of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal is entering its third week. Prosecutors say Trump falsified the records to conceal his reimbursement to Michael D. Cohen for hush money given to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
- Trump's former press secretary and White House communications director Hope Hicks spoke on the deep anxiety that was felt throughout Trump's 2016 campaign after the "Access Hollywood" tape resurfaced. Hicks said her strategy with other senior Trump aides throughout the campaign was to "deny, deny, deny."
- Judge Juan M. Merchan has held two hearings thus far on whether or not Trump is in violation of the gag order, prohibiting him from attacking witnesses, jurors, court staff, and more. Merchan has already fined Trump $9,000 for nine violations and threatened him with time in jail if he continues violating the order. The judge said:
"This court will have to consider a jail sanction. At the end of the day, I have a job to do. Part of that job is to protect the dignity of the justice system."
- Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen are expected to take the stand in the next stage of the trial.
Updated Apr. 15, 2024, 9:30 a.m. EST
- Today marks the beginning of the first criminal trial of an American president, as Donald Trump faces 34 felony charges accusing him of falsifying documents to conceal an affair with pornographic film star Stormy Daniels and hush money paid to her by lawyer Michael D. Cohen.
- Jury selection for the trial starts today, which could take more than two weeks. After that, the trial could go until June.
- Trump has denied the sexual encounter and may take the witness stand during the trial to defend himself. Judge Juan M. Merchan has already imposed a gag order, restricting the former president from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, jurors, and Merchan's own family.
Updated Feb. 15, 2024, 11:45 a.m. EST
- A New York judge ruled that Donald Trump's hush money trial will begin jury selection on Mar. 25, declining to push back the trial after urgings from Trump's defense lawyers.
- This will be the first of four criminal prosecutions against Trump to go to trial. It's expected to last up to six weeks, according to Judge Juan Manuel Merchan.
- Trump's lawyers are adamantly against this trial date, citing the presidential candidate's campaign schedule. Defense lawyer Todd Blanche said:
"It is completely election interference to say 'you are going to sit in this courtroom in Manhattan,' when there is no reason. What about his rights."
- Trump said:
"How can you run for election if you're sitting in a courthouse in Manhattan all day long? I'm supposed to be in South Carolina now."
- Observers have noted that Trump has repeatedly attended court proceedings where his presence was not required.
Updated April 5, 2023
"Our country is going to hell. The world is already laughing at us - for our open borders and the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan."
"The only crime that I have committed is to fearlessly defend our nation from those who seek to destroy it."
We are a nation in decline. And now these radical left lunatics want to interfere with our elections by using law enforcement. We can't let that happen."
Updated 4:00pm EST
- Trump was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree and pleaded not guilty to all counts.
- The charges are class E felonies, the lowest category carrying a maximum prison sentence of four years each. Falsifying business records under New York law is normally a misdemeanor, but prosecutors can escalate the charge if the accused falsified the records to commit or hide another crime.
- Trump did not have to post bail as new policies don't require it for most misdemeanors or nonviolent felonies.
- State Supreme Court Justice Juan M. Merchan adjourned the case until an unspecified date, likely months from now.
- Manhattan DA, Alvin L. Bragg, assures the public that his politics will not play a role in the case. He added:
"Manhattan is home to the country's most significant business market. We cannot allow New York businesses to manipulate their records to cover up criminal conduct."
Updated 2:00pm EST
- Trump turned himself in at the district attorney's office in Lower Manhattan, escorted by an 11-vehicle motorcade. He will be fingerprinted while in custody before he appears before the court to be formally arraigned.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene gave a brief speech across from the courthouse. Before being swarmed by conservative supporters and escorted out by NYPD, Greene said:
"We are here to peacefully protest against the persecution of an innocent man. Not just any innocent man, this is the former president of the United States of America."
- Rep. Jamaal Dowman (D-NY) made an appearance after the rally, saying:
"Do your freaking job, Marjorie Taylor Greene. You don't need to be in New York City talking that nonsense. Go back to your district."
Updated April 4, 2023, 10:30am EST
- Donald Trump is expected to appear today in a Manhattan courtroom and plead not guilty to the 30+ criminal charges he faces. New York City police officers are preparing for the high-profile event, putting fences around the courthouse and Trump Tower.
- Rep. George Santos (R-NY) arrived in New York for the pro-Trump demonstration at Collect Pond Park, outside the criminal court. City law enforcement created spaces for pro and anti-Trump protesters to stand away from each other.
- Journalists started lining up for the event more than 24 hours in advance in an attempt to report on an unprecedented moment in American history.
- Trump is not expected to be handcuffed or have a mugshot taken. Mugshots are meant to help authorities identify and find a defendant if they flee, which Trump is not expected to do. In New York state, law enforcement officials have discretion over whether or not to take a mugshot.
Updated April 3, 2023
- Trump is traveling from Florida to New York today as he prepares to appear in court tomorrow. U.S. Secret Service is conducting heavy security outside the lower Manhattan court building.
- One of Trump's advisors claims the former president has raised $7 million since the news of the indictment was released. Trump rallied his supporters, claiming the Manhattan DA's investigation was a "witch hunt." He asked the judge to block cameras in the courtroom after several major media outlets requested access to broadcast the hearing.
- As protests are being planned for tomorrow, police are heavily patrolling the streets outside the Trump Tower. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) is expected to headline a rally led by the New York Young Republican Club.
- New York Mayor Eric Adams spoke at a press conference this morning, encouraging all protesters to remain peaceful, including Rep. Greene. He said:
"While there may be some rabble-rousers thinking about coming to our city tomorrow, our message is clear and simple: control yourselves. New York City is our home, not a playground for your misplaced anger."
Updated March 31, 2023
- Trump is facing over 30 criminal charges related to alleged business and document fraud. The former president is scheduled to appear in Manhattan court next Tuesday, April 4.
- His lawyers say he will not be handcuffed for his court appearance and will plead not guilty to the charges. His defense attorney, Joe Tacopina, said the team plans to "aggressively" challenge the "legal viability" of the case.
Updated March 30, 2023
- A Manhattan grand jury voted Thursday to indict Former President Donald Trump for his role in paying hush money to pornographic film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election.
- While the exact charges are not known at this time, Trump is the first former or current president to be indicted.
- The indictment is currently sealed and will be released in the coming days.
- Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is reaching out to Trump's lawyers to discuss the former president's surrender and arraignment.
- An indictment would not bar Trump from his current presidential bid, nor would it impact a possible second term in office. The Constitution makes no mention of a criminal record in its eligibility requirements for president.
- Michael Cohen, the key witness in the case, and a former lawyer for Trump, said in a statement:
“For the first time in our Country’s history, a President (current or former) of the United States has been indicted. I take no pride in issuing this statement and wish to also remind everyone of the presumption of innocence; as provided by the due process clause. However, I do take solace in validating the adage that no one is above the law; not even a former President. Today’s indictment is not the end of this chapter; but rather, just the beginning. Now that the charges have been filed, it is better for the case to let the indictment speak for itself. The two things I wish to say at this time is that accountability matters and I stand by my testimony and the evidence I have provided to DANY.”
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
Updated March 23, 2023
- NYC prosecutors said Trump created a false expectation of his indictment, leading his supporters to interfere with the investigation of his payment to Stormy Daniels. As the Manhattan district attorney's probe nears its final stages, Trump remains resistant, claiming he is "100% INNOCENT" on his social media site, Truth Social.
- The Manhattan grand jury will not meet on Trump's case when it convenes today, pushing the inquiry to next week.
- Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg accused Republicans in the House of launching "an unprecedented inquiry into a pending local prosecution." General counsel Leslie Dubeck said the GOP's prod for information "only came after Donald Trump created a false expectation that he would be arrested the next day and his lawyers reported urged [them] to intervene." Dubeck called their claims politically motivated and "unfounded."
- New York officials are still bracing for potential protests and unrest if the arrest occurs. So far this week, Trump supporters have been outnumbered by those in support of the indictment.
What’s the story?
- Former President Donald Trump expects to be arrested on Tuesday, March 21, for one of the five accusations against him currently being investigated.
- The latest indictment, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, examines whether Trump and his company broke state laws by giving Stephanie Clifford, the adult film star Stormy Daniels, hush money after a sexual encounter in 2006. Despite continuously denying the claim, his company paid Clifford $130,000 for her silence during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
- Former prosecutor Mark Pomerantz said Trump’s company falsely hid the payments as legal fees, which violates New York criminal law. Michael Cohen, Trump’s longtime personal attorney, pleaded guilty to federal charges in 2018 on the arranged payments that Trump told him to make. Trump could be held responsible for the false records.
What happens next?
- While the rumor that Trump will be arrested started with him, several media outlets reported that law enforcement in New York is making security preparations for the indictment but said the event would arrive “in the coming weeks.”
- It is ultimately up to Bragg whether or not to press charges against the former president. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the rumored arrest.
- If Bragg does press charges, coordination between Trump’s lawyers, the Secret Service, and local law officials would be necessary. The former president would likely appear in New York court for an arraignment, which would be complicated by public attention.
What would happen if Trump is arrested?
- Since posting about his arrest, Trump has encouraged his supporters to protest if it comes to fruition. He wrote on Truth Social, telling his followers to protest and “take our nation back,” as well as:
“We just can’t allow this anymore. They’re killing our nation as we sit back and watch.”
- The threats are being taken very seriously as many compare Trump’s words to those that led to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021. In response to the threat, Bragg wrote an email to his employees saying, "we do not tolerate attempts to intimidate our office or threaten the rule of law in New York.” Bragg continued to assure his staff that their safety was his first priority.
- Many Republicans are also attempting to discourage protests. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said he does not think people should protest the arrest and believes Trump feels the same way. However, McCarthy and other GOP leaders are defending Trump. McCarthy tweeted:
Here we go again — an outrageous abuse of power by a radical DA who lets violent criminals walk as he pursues political vengeance against President Trump.
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) March 18, 2023
I’m directing relevant committees to immediately investigate if federal funds are being used to subvert our democracy by… https://t.co/elpbh7LeWn
Do you think the Manhattan DA should press charges against Trump?
-Jamie Epstein & Josh Herman
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I am looking forward for the battle between the Manhattan DA, the Georgia DA, and several different DOJ prosecutors over who gets to have the first perp-walk of the trump in chains to his different trials.
I know that the trump is kind of looking forward to a perp-walk becuase he thinks he can use it to solicit more funds out of the poor fools that support him. That ay be true, but most of the electorate, I believe, are still in favor of the rule-of-law and equal justice for ask convicted criminals.
It will be interesting to see how the trump himself reacts when his illusion of wealth and power is finally seen by everyone as the optical illusion of smoke nad mirrors tha it actually is. I imagine that once a narcissist's shield of presumed wealth and power is taken away, they will have a major emotional reality to deal with.How will the trump deal with it?
If there are charges to be brought, of course they should bring charges.
However, let's not forget the "T is being arrested on Tuesday" was released to the press by T. He said that, not anyone else. And he's been raising money based on that comment.
Never one to pass up the opportunity to swindle folks out of their money!
This will bring the MAGA supporters out of the woodwork.
I believe the statue of limitations has expired BTW
I am amazed how long justice takes to happen in the US whenever it is someone rich and powerful like Donald Trump getting sued or prosecuted. I mean, how much more evidence would any prosecutor or judge need finally put the guy behind bars? He literally called for his supporters to illegally protest Congress to prevent him from leaving office! Come on, lawyers! Prosecuting Trump should have been a walk in the park, man!
When he is found guilty, all his presidential perks MUST BE RESCINDED. He is a traitor to our country. He tried to make us a dictatorship, for God's sake! We must not allow a traitor to receive a salary, Secret Service protection, free postage or whatever benefits a true president would have. On January 6th, and afterward with the stolen documents, he relinquished any rights to be treated as a former president would be - WITHOUT A DOUBT!
And isn't it wonderful to see how the Fox News hosts TRULY FEEL about their audience? Amazing how so many can continue to show their ignorance by still watching them.
All lies just to stop Trump from running again. We need to arrest the Biden's for accepting payments from China. It's all coming out and you socialists can't stop it
Yes, I think Trump should be locked up for being a criminal and the world's biggest liar along with Sean Diddy combs for being an idiot and a wuss and Marjorie Taylor Green for being ugly on the outside as well as doubly ugly on the inside. Lock these idiots up and lock them up together and let them fight it out.
Let's get on with it let's lock this idiot up and let this country move forward and read itself of the likes of Trump and people like him like Taylor Green ugly on the inside and out.
Not quite working out as democrats planned. I wasn't gonna but now I'll definitely be voting for Trump.
We need to come to terms with the fact that Trump is guility, and that he is a threat to our country and its citizens.
Guilty on all counts.
if I did what he did I would be in jail now, and for a long time
We need tackle Trump behavior and corruption to our country
He needs to be locked up.
Of what, runnig for POTUS? Tried to keep him off the ballot-did not work, Try to jail him on sham charges-do not think so.Next is James Carvel plan using CIA methods. (If what Carvell was said was about Biden-jail time).
Mr. Trump has stated where he stands. His long-term business practices have been out there for all to see. Bankruptcy after Bankruptcy after Lie cheat and steal. Just don't get caught or bully your way out. Lessons well learned from his Eastern European allies and mentors. Dictators and those who work with and for them.
I can't imagine anything that Trump is not guilty of. He lies, and then he lies about his lies. What makes guilt--lies, upon lies, upon lies. He is not trustworthy about anything.
Of course, Trump is guilty...
And he's guilty of much worse--but the January 6th case won't get to trial before the election.
After the reporting on Cohens testimony to date, I am more convinced the #45 is guilty! I know Cohen is a liar, scum bag, etc but he is comporting himself very well under cross examination. He is believable!! He also has provided testimony that ties this case all together so there is a consistent story of what happened and #45s role in this mess!! #45 played a key role in the plan and its implementation and knew what was going on!! He is guilty!! That does not mean the jury will find him guilty!!
I saw a meme on FB yesterday. "Who records their boss? Someone who wants to be sure they get paid back the money they are owed." Mango Mussolini belongs in prison. Stop pretending he's being set up and start denouncing his illegal activities. He is guilty, he was guilty when Mueller submitted his report, he was guilty when we watched January 6th, he was guilty when we watched the FBI carry out case after case of classified material from his bathroom. He Is Guilty. No black guy ever will get this kind of leeway and consideration and toleration which should shame the judicial system to no end. And let me tell you, if someone threatened me or my husband or kids because I was serving my country, serving on a jury, serving as a public servant, you wouldn't have to worry about them doing it again because I'd make sure they don't have a chance to. This is all just ridiculous. Lies from beginning to end and Republicans are using the lies to create this atmosphere of distrust for everyone who doesn't agree with them. It's a disgrace.
I still don't know what the crime is except Election interference on the part of Bragg. Bragg hasn't proven anything of a coverup. He's doing this to embarrass Trump infront of his family and the nation to make the real criminal in the White House look good.
No one is above the law and as much as Republicans are railing that these trials are all political, Trump needs to be held accountable, just as in the E.Jean Carroll and the falsifying financial records with his businesses. And, he still needs to face the piper for the Federal cases as well.
Republicans! Stop endorsing criminals. You are lying to the American people. Shame!
Guilty of what????? This case wouldn't be ha if Trump wasn't a political rival. These transactions happen every
Trump is the only
giy that can right the ship.
A resounding YES!!!!! All the info. provided by the news would indicate that the fucker is quilty as sin and needs to be found quilty and sentenced to prison.