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.
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 says he recorded a 'handful' of journalists
On cross-examination, Michael Cohen told jurors that, as part of his work for Donald Trump during his 2016 campiang, he surreptitiously recorded "a handful" of conversations with journalists.
"Did you tell people you were recording them?" Blanche asked.
"No sir," Cohen responded. "It is not illegal in New York."
"Who else did you record surreptitiously?" defense attorney Todd Blanche asked.
"I recorded, off the top of my head ... I can't tell you," Cohen said.
"Jeff Zucker on one event," Cohen said, referring to the then-CNN president. "Mr. Trump at another event," he said.
Trump, at the defense table, angled toward Cohen in his chair, intently watching this testimony.