During the trial, Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo meticulously detailed the $130,000 payment made by former President Donald Trump to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen. The prosecution explained to the jury how this sum was arrived at, which included provisions for taxes due to the payment being classified as income rather than a reimbursement.
Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg played a crucial role in documenting the figures related to the Cohen repayment. The jury was shown Weisselberg's handwritten notes, revealing the calculations involved in reimbursing Cohen. According to Colangelo, Weisselberg's notes indicated that the payment was structured in a way to obscure its true nature, describing it as 'a grossed-up way to disguise' the transaction.
Colangelo emphasized Trump's reputation for being financially prudent, portraying him as a meticulous businessman who closely monitored expenses. The prosecutor highlighted Trump's approach of scrutinizing every dollar spent and negotiating each bill to secure the best possible deal.
