Michael Cohen, once a self-described “lawless lawyer” for Donald Trump, is set to be the lead witness in a trial that could potentially mark Trump as the first ex-president to be convicted of a crime. The trial, taking place this week, revolves around allegations that Trump illegally falsified business records linked to a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This payment was allegedly part of an election interference scheme in 2016.
Cohen, who has had a tumultuous relationship with Trump, will provide critical testimony about the $130,000 payment he claims he made to Daniels on Trump’s orders. Trump has denied these allegations, including the affair with Daniels. However, Cohen’s deep involvement in Trump’s business and personal matters makes his testimony pivotal. He has claimed that he was complicit in Trump’s efforts to manipulate and hide his actions from legal scrutiny, famously stating in his book “Disloyal” that he knows where the “skeletons are buried.”
Prosecutors, in building their case, will underline Cohen’s role and actions, despite acknowledging his past mistakes. Cohen’s friend, Anthony Scaramucci, has suggested that Cohen possesses irrefutable evidence that will be crucial to the prosecution.
On the defense side, Trump’s lawyers are expected to challenge Cohen’s credibility, depicting him as a disgruntled former employee seeking revenge. They argue that Cohen’s payments were part of a legal retainer and that his current actions are motivated by personal vendetta rather than truth.
The trial also underscores the larger narrative of Cohen’s transformation from Trump’s protector to a key adversary, a shift he describes as seeking redemption for his previous misdeeds. As Cohen steps into the courtroom, his testimony is not just a reflection of his personal battle with Trump but could also influence the larger political landscape as Trump vies for re-election.
