Trump's Former Lawyer Michael Cohen Testifies
In the New York Manhattan Criminal Court, the criminal trial concerning Trump's hush money payments is in full swing.
Following Stormy Daniels, the court welcomed another key witness—Trump's former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Cohen's Testimony
According to The Washington Post, Cohen testified in court that Trump was aware of the hush money payment to Daniels. Cohen stated that when Trump learned Daniels was selling her story about an "extramarital affair," he instructed Cohen to "take care of it."
Cohen explained that this meant Trump wanted him to pay Daniels hush money. He also mentioned that afterward, he briefed Trump on the situation and requested reimbursement for the hush money he had initially paid out of his own pocket.
In 2017, Cohen discussed with Trump and Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allan Weisselberg how and when to arrange for Cohen’s reimbursement.
Concern for Election, Not Marriage
Additionally, Cohen revealed that in handling the Daniels matter, Trump was more concerned about the election than about his wife, Melania.
Cohen quoted Trump saying, "This would be a disaster for the campaign."
Regarding Melania, Trump showed little concern. If their marriage broke down, he believed he could quickly find another partner.
Trump's Reaction
After the trial ended, Trump left the court visibly angry.
Sitting just a few meters away from Cohen and listening to him reveal damaging details left Trump highly displeased.
Trump told the media that the trial was "politically motivated" and claimed that "our judicial system has broken down."
He insisted that DA Alvin Bragg had no evidence of his guilt and maintained his innocence.
On the key issue of whether hush money payments could be classified as legal fees, Trump remarked, "We call legal fees legal fees, not construction fees. We paid legal fees to lawyers, and that’s clearly stated in the records."
Trump also attacked President Biden, calling him "the worst president in American history who cannot string two sentences together, walk properly, or speak clearly."
He complained, "I should be campaigning, not spending time in a cold courtroom."
Defense from Trump's Sons
During the trial, Trump’s sons, Donald John Trump Jr. and Eric Frederick Trump, defended their father on television.
Donald Trump Jr. criticized Cohen on Newsmax, claiming Cohen would "do anything for fame and fortune," and called him "a disbarred lawyer who was disbarred for lying, and has lied his entire life."
Eric Trump, on Fox News, praised his father and attacked Cohen.
He said, "Everyone has seen Michael Cohen's true colors," and suggested Cohen's testimony showed that he used his role as Trump's lawyer for personal gain.
The criminal trial over Trump's hush money payments has become a gripping drama, attracting widespread attention and providing plenty of material for public discourse.
How this case will unfold remains to be seen.
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