Trump trial: Cohen faces Trump team grilling over past lies, recollections

In an emotional moment, Michael Cohen gave a candid, glowing response when asked what it was like to work for the Trump Organization.

"It was fantastic," he said. "Working for him during those 10 years was an amazing experience in many, many ways. There were great times, there were several less-than-great times, but for the most part I enjoyed the responsibilities that were given to me. I enjoyed working with my colleagues at the Trump Organization, the Trump children. It was a big family."

Trump, at the defense table, remained motionless during Cohen's description. His eyes appear closed.

After speaking positively about his time with the Trump Organization, Cohen acknowledged that he often lied for Trump.

"Because it was needed to accomplish the task," Cohen said.

Michael Cohen testified that normally spoke with Trump in person or over the phone. Cohen said he sometimes contacted Trump though his executive assistant Rhona Graff, his "personal attache" Keith Schiller, or Trump's children.

Like earlier witnesses, Cohen testified that Trump did not use email.

"Mr. Trump never had an email address," Cohen said. "He would comment that emails are like written papers. He knows too many people who have gone down as a direct result ... of emails ... that prosecutors could use in a case."

"By 'gone down', you mean getting in some sort of trouble?" Cohen was asked.

"Yes ma'am," Cohen replied.

Trump, at the defense table, did not react to this questioning.

Cohen said that he frequently reported to Trump when handling sensitive matters.

"As soon as you had a result or answer, you would go straight back and tell him, especially if it was a matter that was troubling to him," Cohen said.

"If you didn't immediately provide him with the information ... that wouldn't go over well for you," Cohen added.

Prosecutors appear to be laying the groundwork for how closely Trump and Michael Cohen worked together. Cohen said his office was at one point "maybe 50 or 60 feet" away from Trump's.

Cohen also told the jury they spoke "every single day, multiple times per day."

Cohen is answering questions in the same animated fashion that he often displays on TV. Asked if he threatened companies and people with lawsuits on behalf of Trump, Cohen didn't miss a beat: "Yes," he said, his eyebrows raising. Occasionally, he glances over to the jury.

Trump, at the defense table, is sitting back in his chair with his head slightly tilted. He does not appear to be directly looking at Cohen.

According to Michael Cohen, one of his frequent jobs was renegotiating bills on Trump's behalf.

"A law firm would send an invoice. He didn't believe that the invoice was fair, reasonable or justified, so he would give me the task of renegotiating a specific bill," Cohen said.

Cohen recounted his work repaying approximately 50 vendors related to Trump University at a discounted rate. All but two of the fifty vendors agreed to the discounted rate.

"They just went away," Cohen said of the two vendors.

"Did you pay then?" prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked.

"No, ma'am," Cohen responded.

Cohen said Trump told him the outcome of the negotiation was "fantastic" and "great."

"How did that make you feel?" Hoffinger asked.

"Like I was on top of the world," Cohen responded.