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.
Judge denies state's request regarding Weisselberg
Judge Merchan began by denying the state's request to enter into evidence former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg's separation agreement with the company.
"It would come in as a business record, but I am not going to allow it in," Merchan said. "It doesn't prove any element of the offense, it doesn't move the ball in any way."
Prosecutors sought to introduce the agreement -- which allotted Weisselberg $2 million after he left the Trump Organization-- to explain why Weisselberg was not testifying at the trial. Weisselberg is currently serving a five-month sentence on Rikers Island for perjury.
Trump, meanwhile, has been waiting patients at the defense table for the jury to enter, which is taking a bit longer than usual.
"Where's the jury?" one individual in his entourage could be heard whispering.
Proceedings are underway
Judge Juan Merchan took his seat on the bench and opened the day's proceedings.
Each of the lawyers made brief introductions before Merchan addressed Trump in his usual fashion.
"Good morning, Mr. Trump," Merchan said from the bench.
Trump, Bragg enter courtroom
Donald Trump has entered the courtroom. He looked around the room as he made his way to the front.
The former president is joined by his attorneys, as well as numerous associates and Secret Service.
Eric Trump and attorney Alina Habba are seated together in the first row, immediately behind Trump. Behind them in the second row, which is completely full, are Trump's legal adviser Boris Epshteyn, Natalie Harp, and J.D. Vance.
Campaign team members Jason Miller and Karoline Levitt are seated in the very back of the courtroom.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has also entered the courtroom.
Prosecutors enter courtroom
Prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorney's office have entered the courtroom.
Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger, who is expected to lead Michael Cohen's direct examination, placed a hefty three-inch binder at the lectern before returning to the counsel table.
Defense argues Cohen's lack of retainer agreement was not an issue
After affirming he worked on "The Apprentice" and did personal work for Trump and members of his family, Michael Cohen confirmed he has never had a retainer agreement with Trump or his company.
"In the whole time you worked for the Trump Organization, you never had a retainer agreement?" defense attorney Todd Blanche asked.
"I never had a retainer agreement," Cohen said.
"And you never had a retainer agreement with any of those individuals, did you?" Blanche asked.
"Correct, Cohen answered.
"And the reason why you didn't have a retainer agreement is because you didn't need one?" Blanche asked. "You knew you were going to get paid?"
"Yes," Cohen said.
"You didn't have to worry when you did personal work for Donald Trump Jr. about the retainer agreement because you were getting paid by the Trump Organization, correct?" Blanche said.
"Correct," Cohen replied.
Blanche suggested there was "nothing wrong" with Cohen never having retainer agreement -- including when Cohen submitted invoices for legal work in 2017. At that time in 2017, Cohen was working as a private lawyer for Trump, separate from the Trump Organization.
Prosecutors have argued that Trump falsified records when he paid Cohen for legal services pursuant to a retainer agreement in 2017.
Blanche subsequently concluded his questioning for the day, with Cohen's cross-examination scheduled to continue on Monday.
Cohen did not look at Trump when he exited the courtroom.