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.
Long sidebar conference concludes
After speaking at the bench to Judge Merchan at a private sidebar for approximately 18 minutes, the lawyers returned to their seats.
At the defense table, attorney Todd Blanche leaned in to whisper to Trump.
"I think we are ready to get started," Judge Merchan said.
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.
Defense questions Cohen about his motivations
Defense attorney Todd Blanche returned to confronting Michael Cohen with his own public remarks about Trump, saying he called Trump a "boorish cartoon misogynist."
"Sounds like something I would say," Cohen responded.
He also asked if he called Trump a "Cheeto dusted cartoon villain."
"That also sounds like something I would say," Cohen responded.
The attorneys, as well as as Cohen and Judge Merchan then donned headphones to review a recording of Cohen's Mea Culpa podcast.
Trump also appeared to be listening to the audio, holding one ear of the headphones up to his ear.
The jury did not ultimately hear the audio, but it appeared to have been Cohen saying Trump "needs to wear handcuffs" and his assertion that people won't be satisfied until Trump is in a cell.
"Is it fair to say that you are motivated by fame?" Blanche asked.
"No sir, I don't think that is fair to say," Cohen said.
"Is it fair to say that you are motivated by publicity?" Blanche asked.
"I don't know if that is fair to say. I am motivated by many things," Cohen said.
Blanche then read a portion of Cohen's book where he said he was motivated by "power and the good life" and "public acclaim."
"Yes, those are my words," Cohen said.