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.


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.