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.
Cohen says Trump said payment was forthcoming at WH meeting
Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, picking up where he left off yesterday, recounted a meeting with Trump in Feb. 17, 2017, at the White House -- a key moment where prosecutors allege Trump personally discussed the repayment arrangement for the hush money Cohen had paid to Stormy Daniels.
"So I was sitting with President Trump and asked me if I was OK. He asked me if I needed money. And I said no, all good. He said, 'I can get a check.' I said, no I'm OK," Cohen recounted of the conversation.
"He said all right, just make sure you deal with Allen," Cohen said, referring to then-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg.
"Did he say anything about anything that would be forthcoming to you?" prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked.
"Yes, there would be a check for January and February," Cohen said.
The jury was shown a photo of Cohen in the White House briefing room, backing up that the meeting occurred.
Cohen is back on the stand
Michael Cohen has taken the stand for his second day of testimony.
He appeared to glance in the direction of Trump as he made his way to the stand, but the two did not appear to make eye contact.
Proceedings are underway
Judge Juan Merchan has gaveled in the day's proceedings.
"Good morning, Mr. Trump," he said in his usual fashion.
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.
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.
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.