Former President Donald Trump is on trial in New York City facing felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This marks the first time a former U.S. president has been tried on criminal charges.
Trump pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment last April, charging him with falsifying business records in connection with the payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to Daniels to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.
Defense Begins with Testimony from Paralegal
The defense called Daniel Sitco, a paralegal for defense attorney Todd Blanche, who introduced a summary chart of phone calls between Michael Cohen, his one-time attorney Robert Costello, and the law firm Davidoff Hutcher & Citron.
Cohen’s Testimony and Cross-Examination
During redirect examination, defense attorney Todd Blanche questioned Cohen about a photograph of Trump and bodyguard Keith Schiller together on Oct. 24, 2016, at 7:57 p.m.
“Your testimony is still, just so I understand, is in that 90 seconds you spoke to Mr. Schiller about the problem you were having with the 14-year-old, got him to agree to take care of it,” and also had time to talk about Daniels to Trump?” Blanche asked.
Cohen stood by his testimony and reiterated that his $420,000 payment in 2017 was a reimbursement, not a payment for legal services.
Blanche attempted to cast doubt on Cohen’s claim by highlighting Trump’s frugality. “Did he overpay for things regularly?” Blanche asked. “No, sir,” Cohen responded.
Cohen then concluded his testimony, and the state rested its case. “Your honor, the People rest,” said prosecutor Steinglass.
Prosecutors Play Recording of Cohen Discussing Payment
Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger, with Michael Cohen back on the stand, played an Oct. 16, 2017, recording Cohen secretly made of a conversation with Stormy Daniels’ then-attorney Keith Davidson regarding the payment.
In the recording, Cohen is heard asking Davidson for advice on his situation and expressing frustration about the impact on his life and family.
Asked by Hoffinger about the recording, Cohen explained that he was referring to the payment he made to Davidson on behalf of Trump.
Impact on Cohen’s Life
When Hoffinger asked Cohen how telling the truth about his actions with Trump affected him, Cohen replied, “My entire life has been turned upside down. I lost my law license, my businesses, my financial security, which I was fortunate early to be able to obtain. My family’s happiness is paramount.”
Cohen Discusses Conversations with Trump
Cohen testified that he had “more than 20” conversations, in person or by phone, with Trump in October 2016 about the Stormy Daniels payoff.
“Do you have any doubt in your mind that Mr. Trump gave you the final signoff [on the Stormy Daniels payment]?” Hoffinger asked. “No doubt,” Cohen replied.
“Would you have paid Stormy Daniels $130,000 had Trump not signed off?” Hoffinger asked. “No ma’am,” Cohen said. “Why not?” Hoffinger asked. “Because I wanted to ensure I would get my funds back,” Cohen said.