United States: During his cross-examination of Michael Cohen, a pivotal execution substantiation in the former chairman’s hush plutocrat trial, on Thursday, Donald Trump’s defense counsel intended to paint Cohen as an untrustworthy fabricator.
Cross-Examination Focus
Cohen is the final witness for the prosecution; he started testifying on Monday. In order to support and accentuate the prosecution’s thesis that Trump went to considerable measures to conceal payments made prior to the 2016 presidential election in order to quell allegations of extramarital sexual encounters, it is imperative that we have access to the records of Trump’s former attorney, confidant, and fixer.
Throughout his cross-examination, Todd Blanche, the defense attorney, made an effort to undermine Cohen’s tale and his reputation by highlighting the ways in which he altered his account both in court and in testimony before Congress.
Grounded on news reporting, the following are the main conclusions from Cohen’s cross-examination
During questioning, Blanche concentrated on Cohen’s 2018 shamefaced plea for lying to Congress about a Trump Tower Moscow design, pressing Cohen’s admission of lying under pledge. Cohen admitted to lying about his connections with Russian officers, stating he did so to align with Trump’s communication. Blanche pointed out inconsistencies in Cohen’s statements, questioning whether he lied about being pressured to plead guilty, to which Cohen admitted he did.
Pardons and Testimony
Blanche took her time attempting to pinpoint Cohen’s erratic answers when asked if he would accept Trump’s pardon. Cohen stated to a House committee during a 2019 congressional hearing that he had “never asked for, nor would I accept, a pardon from President Trump.” In a deposition less than two weeks later, he said that he had asked his attorney to consider a pardon.
Cohen stated on Thursday that it was accurate when he testified that he did not desire a pardon, and that he later chose to investigate it.
He murmured, “I wanted this nightmare to end.” It was hanging there. It was on TV when I saw it. “Is this something that’s really being talked about?” I questioned them.
Call Content Controversy
Cohen initially claimed a call to Trump’s bodyguard was about resolving the Stormy Daniels issue, but evidence showed it was also related to harassing calls from a 14-year-old boy. Blanche questioned Cohen’s ability to discuss both matters within a 96-second call, suggesting the call may not have been solely about Stormy Daniels.
Cohen said he believed he was telling the truth.
Character Assassination Attempt
For the jurors, Blanche played snippets from Cohen’s podcast. The measured, largely one-word responses Cohen provided in court stood in stark contrast to his outspoken and occasionally vulgar on-air image. This was an attempt by the defense to undermine Cohen’s credibility and paint him as someone who was determined to exact retribution.
“Neither the year I lost nor the harm done to my family will be restored by it. But in one footage, Cohen stated, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” “You have my word that I want this man to fall.”
Upcoming Trial Proceedings
On Thursday, at least nine Republican lawmakers made the trip to New York to show their support for the outgoing president. Reps. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Mike Waltz of Florida, Eli Crane of Arizona, Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Rep. Bob Good of Virginia, and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida were among them.
According to the AP, Boebert, Gaetz, Waltz, and Good were seated alongside Eric Trump in the gallery’s first row, while Luna was seated in the second row. Gaetz made remarks shortly after arriving that were similar to what Trump had stated during a 2020 presidential debate to the Proud Boys.
Gaetz wrote, “Standing back, and standing by, Mr. President.”
Blanche informed the judge at Thursday’s end of court that he intended to interrogate Cohen on Monday. Friday’s court session is postponed as Trump is anticipated to attend his son Barron’s Florida high school graduation.
When reporters repeatedly asked Trump if he intended to testify outside the courthouse, he remained silent. Trump hasn’t chosen whether or not to testify, according to what his lawyer told the judge.
