Donald Trump’s legal team has failed to rattle Michael Cohen during cross-examination, according to New York attorney Janos Marton. Despite attempts to provoke a reaction, Cohen remained composed and stuck to his narrative about his actions as Trump’s former attorney.
Marton noted that Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, tried to paint Cohen as a vengeful and mercenary witness, but Cohen’s testimony remained consistent.
Blanche’s cross-examination of Cohen on Tuesday was marked by colorful exchanges, including a reference to a social media post where Cohen called Blanche a “crying little s***.”
Cohen acknowledged the post, saying it sounded like something he would say. The trial, which resumed on Thursday, is a historic moment as Trump becomes the first former president to face criminal charges.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and claims the case is politically motivated. The prosecution alleges that Trump paid or discussed paying two women to keep quiet about their alleged affairs with him before the 2016 presidential election. Cohen, who was once Trump’s fixer, has become a key witness against his former boss.
Legal experts say that Blanche’s line of questioning aimed to discredit Cohen and create doubt in the jury’s mind. However, Eric C. Chaffee, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University, believes that the defense has failed to undermine Cohen’s testimony.
The outcome of the trial hinges on the jury’s perception of Cohen’s credibility, making his testimony a crucial factor in the case.