Trump trial updates: Appeals court denies defense's bid for judge's recusal
The defense rested its case Tuesday without testimony from Donald Trump.
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.
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On redirect, prosecutors address 2016 phone call
Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger begun her redirect examination of Michael Cohen by attempting to rehabilitate Cohen's testimony about the phone call he said he had with Donald Trump on Oct. 24, 2016.
"Is it possible that other matters may have been discussed on those calls, but you are sure the Stormy Daniels matter was discussed?" Hoffinger asked.
"Yes," Cohen said.
Cohen told jurors that even if he was busy with other matters at the time, he was sure he communicated with Trump about the Stormy Daniels' payment.
Jurors seem fully engaged, several taking notes.
Hoffinger also asked about today's questions by defense attorney Todd Blanche suggesting Cohen was too busy to remember much of anything in 2016.
"Were you too busy in 2016 to finalize the Stormy Daniels payoff with Mr. Trump?" Hoffinger asked.
"No ma'am," Cohen responded.
"Were you too busy to get his approval to make that payment?" Blanche asked.
"No ma'am," Cohen said.
Defense concludes Cohen's cross-examination
"Your testimony remains ... that notwithstanding everything you've said over the years, you have specific recollection of having conversations on the phone with then candidate Donald J. Trump about the Stormy Daniels matter, correct?" defense attorney Todd Blanche asked Michael Cohen as he wrapped up his questioning.
"Yes sir," he replied.
"No doubt in your mind?" Blanche asked.
"No sir," said Cohen.
"No further questions," Blanche said, ending his cross-examination.
Cohen pressed on his financial interest in the case
"Do you have a financial interest in the outcome of this case?" defense attorney Todd Blanche asked Michael Cohen.
"Yes sir," said Cohen, before clarifying.
"I talk about it on my podcast, i talk about it on TikTok, and they make money, and that's how I was viewing your question. Whether he is ultimately determined innocent or guilty is not going to affect whether i speak about it or not."
As Cohen answered, Trump looked on, facing Cohen directly.
Subsequently, Cohen said, "It's better if he's not, for me, because it gives me more to talk about in the future."
The answer drew some laughs in the overflow room.
Cohen says he's considered running for Congress
When cross-examination resumed following the mid-morning break, Michael Cohen testified that he is considering a run for Congress.
"Going after President Trump, that's your name recognition?" defense attorney Todd Blanche asked.
"My name recognition is because of the journey I've been on." Cohen answered. "It is affiliated to Mr. Trump -- yes -- not because of Mr. Trump."
"Your journey includes near-daily attacks on President Trump?" Blanche asked.
Eventually Cohen conceded, "Yes sir."