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

The defense questioned Trump's former lawyer on Day 18 of the hush money trial.

Last Updated: May 16, 2024, 4:46 PM EDT

Former President Donald Trump is on trial in New York City, where he is facing felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. It marks the first time in history that a former U.S. president has been tried on criminal charges.

Trump last April pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a hush money payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.

Apr 22, 5:51 am

What to know about the hush money case

May 14, 2024, 6:19 PM EDT

Defense hasn't decided if Trump will testify, per transcript

According to a transcript of the day's court proceedings released this evening, Donald Trump and his attorneys have not yet decided if the former president will testify at his trial.

The transcript included a private sidebar conference held this morning, during which Judge Juan Merchan asked defense lawyers about Trump's possible testimony.

"And do you have any indication whether your client is going to testify?" Merchan asked defense attorney Todd Blanche.

"No," Blanche replied.

"No determination yet?" Merchan asked.

"No," Blanche said.

The conversation happened outside of the earshot of reporters and members of the jury.

May 14, 2024, 5:27 PM EDT

Trump says he had a 'very good day' in court

Speaking to reporters after exiting the courtroom, former President Trump was asked about today's testimony, as well as if he plans to testify during the trial.

"As you know, I'm under a gag order. So I can't really answer those very simple questions that you're asking," Trump said, referring to the order that prohibits him from making public comments about jurors, witnesses and lawyers in the case, but does not keep him from discussing the case itself.

"We'd love to not be in the gag order. I'm the Republican nominee for president. I'm leading in every poll, and I have a gag order."

Former President Donald Trump speaks to the media after leaving court during his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court, May 14, 2024, in New York City.
Pool/Getty Images

Recapping his day in court, Trump said, "We had a very, I think, a very good day and important to see what's happening and you'll have to record it because I can't talk about it too much."

"We had a very good day. I think we're exposing the scam for what it is," he said.

-ABC News' Kelsey Walsh and Mike Pappano

May 14, 2024, 4:37 PM EDT

Cohen leaves court without looking Trump's way

Michael Cohen, his testimony done for the day, left the courtroom without looking at Trump.

During a bench conference, defense attorney Todd Blanche said he wants to explore with the court and the opposing counsel the admissibility of a defense expert witness before deciding whether to call him.

The judge set a conference to take place Thursday at 4 p.m. ET, after the jury is excused slightly early for the day.

Asked about Thursday's timing for the remainder of his cross-examination of Cohen, Blanche told the judge, "If I finish, it's at the end of the day."

The rest of the parties then departed the courtroom.

May 14, 2024, 4:28 PM EDT

Cohen says he wanted help reducing sentence

Michael Cohen told the jury that he wanted the Manhattan district attorney to publicly acknowledge his cooperation in this case to assist in his bid for a reduced sentence in his federal conviction on charges related to the Stormy Daniels hush money arrangement.

"You wanted the district attorney's office to publicly acknowledge that you were cooperating?" Blanche asked.

"I would say so, yes," Cohen said.

"You were trying to get your sentence ... lowered, right?" Blanche said.

"I was looking for a reduction in the home confinement portion," Cohen said.

Michael Cohen is cross examined by defense lawyer Todd Blanche before Justice Juan Merchan, as former President Donald Trump watches during Trump's trial in Manhattan state court in New York City, May 14, 2024, in this courtroom sketch.
Jane Rosenberg/Reuters

However, the DA's office never publicly announced Cohen's cooperation.

"There was no letter or public announcement made about your cooperation," Blanche asked.

"That's correct," Cohen said.

Blanche asked Cohen if he had ever met DA Alvin Bragg in person.

"No sir," said Cohen.

Testimony subsequently concluded for the day, with Cohen's cross-examination scheduled to continue when court resumes on Thursday.

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