Daily Mail reported that during his third day in court, Michael Cohen was intensely questioned by Trump's attorney over alleged lies.
Donald Trump's trial in Manhattan centers on allegations of falsified business records linked to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
Over three days, Michael Cohen, once a lawyer for Donald Trump, became the focal point in the trial at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City. Under the watchful eye of Judge Juan Merchan, Cohen faced a rigorous cross-examination that sought to undermine his reliability by illuminating his history of deceit.
The defense, led by attorney Todd Blanche, scrutinized Cohen's past, emphasizing various instances where he admitted to lying. This tactic aimed to weaken Cohen’s testimony and detach Trump from the alleged cover-up of the payments to Stormy Daniels. Cohen’s interactions with the media and his aggressive tactics were analyzed, revealing a complex relationship between truth and loyalty.
"I f***ing hope this man ends up in prison," said Michael Cohen during his testimony, expressing his disdain towards Trump. He also claimed Trump had dangled a potential pardon before him, which added another layer to their convoluted past.
Despite the vigorous defense effort, Cohen maintained his position, sometimes admitting to previous lies, which added a dramatic flair to the proceedings. "At that present moment, it was true. I wanted this nightmare to end," he recounted about one of his past statements.
The trial stirred more than just legal arguments; it involved discussions about the potential summoning of Donald Trump himself. This idea loomed over the proceedings, interspersed with frequent interruptions and debates on the trial's schedule and the involvement of GOP members.
Donald Trump, scrutinizing the legitimacy of the trial, labeled it as trivial. "This case is a joke. Ashton Kutcher is going to tell us we've been pumped," Trump proclaimed, poking at the trial's seriousness.
Judge Juan Merchan urged readiness for summations starting Tuesday, indicating that the trial was progressing toward its critical phases.
During the cross-examination by defense attorney Todd Blanche, Cohen was questioned about his earlier falsehood regarding the Moscow project, to which he acknowledged, "Yes, sir." This admission was a crucial moment in the trial, potentially aiding in the portrayal of Cohen's testimony as unreliable.
Amidst the legal skirmishes, Cohen provided a reflective insight into his tumultuous journey with Trump. He described his former hopes for a White House job and how the unfolding events had drastically shifted his perspectives and life choices.
The trial reveals the dynamic of a relationship built on power and secrecy, with discussions on Cohen's involvement in aggressive tactics and his subsequent disavowal. As the trial progresses, it delves deeper into the legal and moral issues, highlighting Cohen's shift from loyalty to opposition against Trump, which marks a significant change in their relationship.
During Michael Cohen's third day of testimony in Donald Trump's Manhattan trial, he was intensely questioned about his credibility due to past lies, particularly in relation to falsified business records and hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. The defense aimed to undermine Cohen's testimony and dissociate Trump from the alleged payment cover-ups. Despite the defense's efforts, Cohen maintained his stance, openly expressing his disdain for Trump and admitting to previous falsehoods, which added drama to the trial proceedings.
