Key Points to Understand About Michael Cohen’s Crucial Testimony in the Hush Money Trial

NEW YORK (AP) — The hush money trial involving former President Donald Trump and his ex-attorney Michael Cohen took a dramatic turn as Cohen took the witness stand to testify against his former boss. Cohen’s testimony provided jurors with an insider’s account of hush money payments directed by Trump to protect his 2016 White House bid.

Cohen, the prosecution’s key witness, detailed his close relationship with Trump during his time working for him. He described how he handled various tasks for Trump, including negotiating bills and reaching out to the media on his behalf. Cohen spoke fondly of his early days with Trump, saying he felt honored to work for him and that their interactions were frequent and personal.

The trial has focused on allegations that Trump engaged in a scheme to buy and bury unflattering stories about himself to influence the 2016 election illegally. Cohen’s testimony shed light on the inner workings of Trump’s organization and his involvement in the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal.

Cohen’s testimony included details of conversations he had with Trump and National Enquirer publisher David Pecker about suppressing McDougal’s story. He also played an audio recording of a meeting with Trump where they discussed the plan to pay off McDougal. The recording, which Cohen said was made to ensure Pecker would be reimbursed, provided a rare glimpse into Trump’s involvement in the hush money scheme.

As Cohen continues to testify, jurors are getting a firsthand account of Trump’s alleged involvement in the hush money payments, painting a picture of a hands-on boss who closely monitored and directed the actions of his employees. The trial is expected to continue for several more days, with intense questioning from Trump’s attorneys as they seek to discredit Cohen’s testimony.