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.

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.


What to know about the hush money case

READ MORE: Here's what you need to know about the historic case.


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Trump, prosecutors have arrived

Prosecutors have arrived in court for today's proceedings. Unlike yesterday, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg is not currently in the courtroom.

Donald Trump has arrived at the courthouse with members of his entourage.


North Dakota governor to join Trump at trial: Sources

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Florida Reps. Byron Donalds and Cory Mills are planning to come with former President Trump to court today, in addition to House Speaker Mike Johnson, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The group is expected to be in court as former Trump attorney Michael Cohen resumes his testimony this morning.


House Speaker Mike Johnson to attend court, says source

House Speaker Mike Johnson is going to criminal court in New York with former President Trump this morning, a source with direct knowledge confirms to ABC News.

Johnson will commute with Trump in his motorcade from Trump Tower to the lower Manhattan courthouse, and is expected to be in the courtroom for the morning session.


Stormy Daniels wore bulletproof vest to court, lawyer says

An attorney for Stormy Daniels told CNN that Daniels wore a bulletproof vest to court before her testimony last week.

"She was concerned about the security coming into New York," attorney Clark Brewster said. "She wore a bulletproof vest every day until she got to the courthouse."

Brewster said that Daniels was concerned about a rogue actor targeting her due to her testimony in the trial.

"Before she came on Sunday, I mean she cried herself to sleep," Brewster said. "She was paralyzed with fear."

Daniels testified over two days last week that she and Trump had a sexual encounter in 2006 and that she was subsequently paid $130,000 for her silence prior to the 2016 election. Trump has denied all allegations of a sexual encounter.


Cohen recounts effort to kill doorman story

Michael Cohen told jurors that he kept Donald Trump in the loop about his effort to kill a false story about Trump having a child out of wedlock, which was shopped by former Trump doorman Dino Sajudin.

"I provided him with all the information," Cohen said about his conversation with Trump.

"He told me to make sure that the story does not get out. You handle it," Trump said according to Cohen. "He asked me to speak to [the two employees] and let them know it was taken care of."

Pecker said he worked with David Pecker and Dylan Howard of the National Enquirer, who purchased the life rights to the story.

"Did you tell them that Mr Trump would be grateful?" Hoffinger asked.

"Absolutely," Cohen said.

Cohen said he offered feedback on AMI's contract with Sajudin, suggesting they add a $1 million penalty if Sajudin breached the contract.

When Cohen first became aware of Sajudin's claim, Cohen said, "I went to [Trump] immediately to advise him that there was a story -- because it was a negative story for him -- and to get his direction on what he wanted me to do."

Cohen said he shared the news of Sajudin's contract with Trump to keep him in the loop and "in order to get credit for accomplishing the task."

"What was Mr. Trump's reaction when you told him that?" Hoffinger asked.

"That's great," Cohen said Trump responded.