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.
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.