Judge Juan Merchan recently addressed comments made by former President Donald Trump regarding Michael Cohen, emphasizing that while using Cohen's name is not prohibited, making a connection to the trial is indeed prohibited.
During the proceedings, Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, argued that the post in question was not related to the ongoing case but rather focused on Trump's belief that Cohen should have been prosecuted for lying. Blanche clarified that Trump's intention was to criticize the justice system for not taking action against Cohen.
When questioned by Merchan about whether Trump was undermining Cohen's credibility, similar to his actions towards Stormy Daniels, Blanche denied this claim. He reiterated that Trump's criticism was directed towards the justice system and its handling of Cohen's case.
Blanche highlighted the disparity in treatment within the justice system by pointing out the case of Allen Weisselberg, who was incarcerated for perjury, contrasting it with Cohen's role as a witness in the current trial.
The exchange between Merchan and Blanche shed light on the complexities surrounding Trump's comments and their implications within the legal context. The discussion underscored differing perspectives on the justice system's actions and raised questions about the fairness and consistency of legal proceedings.