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.


0

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 continues to press Cohen on his cooperation

Following the mid-afternoon break, defense attorney Todd Blanche continued to press Michael Cohen on his motives for cooperating with the Manhattan DA's investigation that led to this trial.

Blanche asked Cohen about what happened in 2019 when the DA's investigators visited him in federal prison, where he was serving time for his role in the Stormy Daniels payout and other charges.

"One of the first things you wanted to talk to the prosecutors about was ... what is the benefit to you?" Blanche asked, noting that Cohen had told the prosecutors he had been "screwed" by the system.

"You wanted to know why you should meet with them, which is fair, right?" Blanche asked. "You wanted to know what the benefit was to you for being there, correct?"

"Correct," said Cohen.

Blanche then brought up what is known as a Rule 35, which "gives the judge a right to give you a lower sentence if certain things happen like cooperation." He noted it had to be made within one year.

"Do you remember a conversation where your lawyers asked the district attorney whether they would be willing to help with the rule 35 motion in federal court?" Blanche asked.

"I believe so, yes," Cohen said.

Blanche suggested that timing was of the essence because he was sentenced in December 2018, meaning the clock was clicking to file a Rule 35 motion.

Cohen's Rule 35 motion was eventually denied. He subsequently completed his sentence in 2021.