Michael Cohen, the star prosecution witness in Donald Trump’s hush money trial, is set to take the stand on Monday to testify against the former president. As Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer, Cohen’s testimony is crucial to the case, and the Manhattan district attorney hopes it will influence the verdict in the first-ever criminal case against a US president.
Cohen’s expected appearance in the New York courtroom signals that the closely-watched trial is entering its final stretch. Prosecutors say they may wrap up their presentation of evidence by the end of the week.
Cohen is set to testify about his role in arranging hush money payments on Trump’s behalf, including to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who testified last week that the payment was meant to prevent her from going public about a sexual encounter with Trump.
Michael Cohen’s Evidence Points to Former President’s Involvement in Wrongdoing
Trump is accused of falsifying business records to reimburse Cohen for the payment on the eve of the 2016 presidential election. Prosecutors say the reimbursements were logged as legal expenses to conceal their true purpose. Trump has denied the allegations, and his defense lawyers are expected to try to paint Cohen as untrustworthy and vindictive.
However, Cohen’s testimony, along with that of other witnesses, including former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker and former Trump adviser Hope Hicks, is expected to reveal the extent of Trump’s efforts to silence his accusers and influence the election.
Cohen’s credibility will be a key issue in the trial, as Trump’s lawyers will likely try to discredit him as a witness. However, prosecutors believe that Cohen’s testimony, documentary evidence, and other witness statements will provide a strong case against Trump. The trial is taking place six months before the November election, and its outcome could affect Trump’s presidential hopes.
The case against Trump is historic, marking the first time a former US president has faced criminal charges. The public and the media are closely watching the trial, and its outcome could have huge implications for the future of American politics. As the trial enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on Cohen’s testimony and its potential impact on the verdict.
