Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen is set to take the stand on Monday morning as the star witness in the criminal trial of former President Trump. The trial, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, aims to prove that Trump falsified business records related to a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Bragg has charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, to which Trump has pleaded not guilty. Cohen, who once vowed to 'take a bullet' for Trump, will testify against him regarding his involvement in arranging the hush money payment to Daniels before the 2016 presidential election.
Trump has consistently denied any encounter with Daniels, despite making subsequent payments totaling $420,000 to Cohen, who was his personal attorney at the time. Bragg's indictment is based on the premise that these payments were reimbursements to Cohen for the hush money payment.
Trump's defense team argues that the payments were legal fees and not paybacks. In an exclusive interview, Trump defended the payments as legal expenses, emphasizing that they were for legal services rendered.
Former President Trump has been subject to a gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan, preventing him from discussing the case or any witnesses. Trump has already been fined for violating the order and faces potential jail time for further violations.
While Cohen is not under a gag order, the judge directed prosecutors to advise him against making statements about Trump or the case. Cohen, who previously pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations and other charges, is expected to provide crucial testimony in the trial.
House Republicans have referred Cohen to the Justice Department for further investigation, citing his admission of lying to Congress during previous testimonies. Cohen acknowledged lying under oath in 2019, prompting calls for additional prosecution.
The trial is poised to be a significant legal battle, with Cohen's testimony playing a pivotal role in the prosecution's case against Trump. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for both parties involved.
