Former fixer Michael Cohen’s shocking admission of stealing money from Donald Trump’s company as a form of “self-help” has sent shockwaves through the courtroom during Trump’s hush money trial. Cohen, a key witness in the case, revealed under questioning by Trump’s lawyer that he pocketed a significant portion of a reimbursement from the Trump Organization to a technology company.
Cohen confessed to stealing roughly $30,000 from the Trump Organization, citing his frustration over a reduced annual bonus after fronting $130,000 of his own money to silence porn star Stormy Daniels. This revelation could potentially damage Cohen’s credibility as a witness in the trial, where prosecutors are attempting to prove that Trump broke the law by covering up the payment to Daniels.
Despite being a convicted felon and admitted liar, Cohen’s testimony has been supported by documentary evidence presented by prosecutors. However, Trump’s legal team has been working diligently to undermine Cohen’s credibility through cross-examination.
As the trial nears its conclusion, Trump’s lawyers will have the opportunity to present their own evidence and witnesses. It remains uncertain whether Trump himself will take the witness stand, as his lawyer indicated that it was no longer certain. The trial is expected to wrap up this week, with closing arguments scheduled for next week.
Trump, who faces 34 counts of falsifying business records in relation to the hush money payment to Daniels, has pleaded not guilty. The trial, the first for a former president, has been marked by intense scrutiny and political implications as Trump seeks to clear his name ahead of the upcoming election.