Donald Trump’s former “cleaner” Michael Cohen is the central witness in the hush money trial against the ex-president. In New York there is a showdown with his former boss.
New York (dpa) – In the hush money trial against Donald Trump, key witness Michael Cohen confirmed that he systematically suppressed negative reports about the then presidential candidate before the 2016 US election. Cohen testified in Trump’s presence at the trial in New York that he had worked with the former editor of a tabloid, David Pecker. Journalists present in the court reported this unanimously.
On the one hand, it was about him and Pecker spreading “positive stories about Mr. Trump that were beneficial” for the upcoming presidential election in the Trump-affiliated “National Enquirer.” On the other hand, he worked with Pecker to prevent negative reports that accused Trump of extramarital affairs. For this purpose, among other things, the rights to these stories were bought without ever wanting to publish them. Cohen confirmed Pecker’s statement from the end of April.
Prosecutors in New York accuse Trump of trying to improve his chances of winning the 2016 presidential election by paying porn actress Daniels $130,000. Although the payment itself was not illegal, Trump allegedly manipulated documents when refunding Cohen to conceal the true reason for the transaction. This made the payments illegal campaign financing.
This is the first criminal trial of a former president in United States history. Trump faces a prison sentence of several years, which could also be suspended, or a fine. The proceedings could have an impact on the election campaign in the USA. Trump, who wants to become US president again in November, has pleaded not guilty.
Trump mostly stoic – except once
Trump was dressed in a suit and blue and white tie for Cohen’s testimony. According to reports, he seemed unmoved most of the time and had his eyes partially closed. The defendant brought his largest entourage to date with him to the trial. His son Eric Trump was also present, and his look at Cohen was described as disparaging.
Cohen is seen as a central figure in establishing a direct link between the now 77-year-old and hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. By not collaborating illegally with Pecker, the prosecution wants to support its claim that Trump’s goal was to protect his campaign from negative reports in order to have a better chance of voting in November 2016. This is intended to counteract a possible defense argument that Trump’s payment to porn star Daniels was simply about preventing damage to his family.
Cohen was clear about the possible publication of Daniels’ story: it would have been “catastrophic,” and Trump was also aware of that. “He wasn’t thinking about Melania. It was all about the election campaign,” said Cohen. At this description, Trump shook his head vigorously, media reports said.
Once a loyal Trump man, now a convicted liar – and key witness
Cohen became known as Trump’s legal “cleaner” with a close relationship and direct access to him – he once said he would take a bullet for Trump. However, during the opening statements, Trump’s defense portrayed Cohen as someone driven by a desire for revenge who had already lied under oath. She is also likely to portray him as untrustworthy in the upcoming cross-examination.
Cohen, now 57, had already pleaded guilty in 2018 for his role in the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels – and had served a prison sentence for, among other things, making false statements, which is why he is considered a problematic witness. In 2018, Trump was still US President and was not prosecuted by prosecutors.
The important witness Pecker initially testified at the trial in New York. The former editor of the “National Enquirer” also confirmed the prosecution’s narrative that Cohen and he were supposed to suppress negative reports on Trump’s behalf before the 2016 US election by buying the rights to them. Last week, porn star Daniels herself took the stand and gave an unflattering and detailed statement about sexual intercourse with Trump.
The public prosecutor’s office had announced that it could end the questioning of its witnesses this week. It would then be up to the defense to call exonerating witnesses before closing arguments. The twelve jurors must then make a unanimous decision. Judge Juan Merchan would determine the sentence if convicted.