In early 2018, the Stormy Daniels payment scandal came to light, revealing that President Trump was allegedly unaware of the payment. Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, initially told multiple individuals that Trump had no knowledge of the payment. Cohen even reportedly informed Melania Trump that the President was not aware of the transaction. However, Cohen later admitted to telling a New York Times reporter that Trump was unaware of the payment at the time.
During a conversation with a friend in jail, Cohen implied that he would have insisted Trump knew nothing about the payment, although he couldn't recall the specific details. Cohen's defense seemed to be that he was dishonest in 2018 but should be believed now. He also acknowledged recording conversations with reporters where he claimed Trump was unaware of the payment.
Prior to the FBI raid on his office and residence in April 2018, Cohen consistently maintained that Trump had no knowledge of the payment. Trump's interaction with an individual in the courtroom during Cohen's testimony raised eyebrows, suggesting potential communication between them.
Cohen mentioned meeting with a lawyer, Bob Costello, on April 17th to discuss legal representation, but he indicated that he had received communications from his attorney, Jeffrey Citron, regarding the meeting. The unfolding events surrounding the Stormy Daniels payment and Cohen's shifting statements added complexity to the controversy surrounding President Trump.
