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.
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.
Jury sees nondisclosure agreement between Trump, Daniels
Jurors saw the finalized nondisclosure agreement between Trump and Stormy Daniels, guaranteeing Daniels $130,000 for her silence.
Cohen signed the document on behalf of Essential Consultants.
The agreement used pseudonyms for Trump and Daniels -- Trump's being David Dennison and Daniels' being Peggy Peterson.
"The purpose of it was to ensure his name didn't appear anywhere, as he is a candidate for the presidency of the United States of America," Daniels said.
Donald Trump's name briefly appeared on a side letter agreement to confirm that he was the David Dennison mentioned in the contract.
Both Davidson and Cohen were permitted to have a copy of the side letter agreement.
Jurors then saw a phone record showing a five-minute phone call between Cohen and Trump on Oct. 28, 2016.
Cohen said he told Trump that "this matter was now completely under control and locked down pursuant to the nondisclosure agreement."