Michael Cohen Testifies About Hush Money Payment to Stormy Daniels to Protect Trump

Former longtime lawyer of Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, returned to the witness stand on Tuesday and dropped bombshell revelations about his involvement in the hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels. Cohen admitted to repeatedly lying about the payment in order to protect Mr. Trump in the closing days of the 2016 campaign.

During cross-examination, Cohen sparred with Trump’s attorney, who tried to paint him as an untrustworthy witness. Cohen confessed that he had falsely claimed to be the sole person behind the $130,000 payment to Daniels as a protective measure to demonstrate loyalty to Trump. However, he revealed that everything he did was at the direction of Donald J. Trump.

Prosecutors allege that Trump falsified business records related to the hush money payments by categorizing them as legal services under a retainer agreement that did not exist. Cohen testified that no such agreement existed.

The courtroom drama escalated when Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, grilled Cohen about his past statements on social media and in the press, including calling Trump a “dictator douchebag” and a “Cheeto-dusted cartoon villain.” Cohen admitted to making such remarks but maintained that his actions were to protect Trump.

Cohen also disclosed that he made $3.4 million from two Trump-related books he authored in the past four years. Trump, on the other hand, expressed satisfaction with Blanche’s cross-examination, calling it a “very, very good day.”

Cohen’s testimony shed light on Trump’s involvement in the hush money payment scheme, with Cohen revealing that Trump directed him to work out reimbursement details with Allen Weisselberg, the CFO of the Trump Organization. Cohen also disclosed that Trump approved a deal for him to be repaid the $130,000 and additional funds through monthly installments listed as legal services rendered.

The trial continues with Cohen as the final witness in the case. The defense is yet to decide if they will call any witnesses, including Trump. The courtroom drama is set to resume on Thursday, with Cohen’s cross-examination ongoing.

Cohen’s testimony has been pivotal in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case against Trump, directly linking him to the falsification of business records. The trial has drawn high-profile Republican supporters for Trump, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

As the trial unfolds, the revelations from Cohen’s testimony continue to paint a damning picture of Trump’s involvement in the hush money payment scandal. The courtroom drama is far from over, with more twists and turns expected in the coming days.