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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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 to hide intent of shell company

Jurors saw the form that Michael Cohen used to create the account for Essential Consultants LLC, the shell company he used to pay Stormy Daniels the $130,000 per their nondisclosure agreement.

"MICHAEL COHEN IS OPENING ESSENTIAL CONSULTANTS LLC AS A REAL ESTATE CONSULTING COMPANY TO COLLECT FEES FOR INVESTMENT CONSULTING WORK HE DOES FOR REAL ESTATE DEALS," the form said.

Asked about the veracity of the form, Cohen responded, "It's false."

Cohen said he filled out the form that way "to hide the intent ... which is to pay for a nondisclosure agreement."

Cohen said had he been honest on the form, the account would not have been opened by First Republic Bank.

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger then walked Cohen through each of the documents used to create the shell company then wire $130,000 to an attorney-trust account for Stormy Daniels.

Cohen stated that wire transfer form he used for the payment was not truthful because it stated the purpose of the wire was a "retainer."

In reality, Cohen said, the wire was "in order to pay Stormy Daniels to execute the nondisclosure agreement and to attain the story -- her life rights."