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.
Top headlines:
- No decision yet about Trump testifying
- Defense argues Cohen's lack of retainer agreement was not an issue
- Defense accuses Cohen of lying about Trump phone call
- Defense challenges Cohen on past perjury
- Cohen says Trump approved payment of $420K, paid monthly
- Jury hears secret recording of Trump discussing payment
What to know about the hush money case
READ MORE: Here's what you need to know about the historic case.
Sidebar discussion continues
As the private sidebar continues, Judge Merchan is standing slightly back on the bench with his arms crossed, as Trump attorney Todd Blanche speaks.
At one point, Blanche and prosecutor Joshua Steinglass appeared to laugh.
Trump, seated at the defense table, is leaning back in his chair and his eyes appear to be closed.
Proceedings are underway
"Good morning, Mr. Trump," Judge Juan Merchan said in his usual fashion after taking the bench.
The proceedings immediately began with a private sidebar between the parties and Merchan.
Trump enters courtroom with several lawmakers
Donald Trump has entered the courtroom accompanied, like yesterday, by an entourage that includes several members of Congress.
Reps. Lauren Boebert and Matt Gaetz are among those seated in the front row of the gallery.
The group is so large that a few members are sitting at the back of the courtroom because the first two rows of the gallery do not have enough space.
Prosecutors enter courtroom
Prosecutors for the Manhattan district attorney’s office have entered the courtroom.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is not currently in attendance.
Cohen reviews contents of secretly made recording
After Cohen's recording was played in court, prosecutor Susan Hoffinger is replayed sections and asked Cohen about what he said at the time.
"Who is 'our friend David?'" Hoffinger asked.
"He is referring to David Pecker," Cohen said.
Asked about the reference to then-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg, Cohen said, "Because Mr. Trump had previously directed me to speak with Allen Weisselberg about getting this matter settled."
"Because we are going to need money and going to need to open the LLC and to resolve this issue," Cohen said about the LLC being formed.
"We were referring to the 150,000 that was advanced by AMI in order to purchase the life rights of Karen McDougal," Cohen said "He knew already knew based on conversations with David which is why he mentioned the number 150."
When asked about the comment about Pecker getting "hit by a truck," Cohen said that Trump was concerned about the National Enquirer's files about him in case Pecker ever left the company.
"David Pecker was being considered for the CEO position of Time Inc. and the concern was the information -- so all the stuff refers to that," Cohen said
Following this testimony, court was recessed for the mid-morning break.
Cohen, exiting the courtroom, did not appear to look at Trump as he walked by the defense counsel table.