The trial concerning hush money allegations against ex-President Donald Trump is approaching its finale in the Manhattan Supreme Court, in New York City, New York. On May 20, 2024, the prosecution concluded its case, pivoting on crucial testimony from Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal attorney. The defense then launched its rebuttal, aiming to discredit Cohen and challenge the prosecution’s version of the events.
Michael Cohen, the central figure in the prosecution’s case, spent four days on the witness stand. Cohen confessed to taking $60,000 from the Trump Organization in 2016, claiming it as a form of “self-help” in response to a cut in his annual bonus. He also detailed his role in facilitating a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election, allegedly under Trump’s instruction.
In his testimony, Cohen stated, “My entire life has been turned upside down as a direct result. I lost my law licenses, my business, my financial security.” These comments underscore the personal impact the trial has had on him, adding a human aspect to the trial.
The defense, headed by Todd Blanche, attempted to question Cohen’s credibility. Blanche contended there was no proof of doctored business records or an intent to commit fraud. “There’s no evidence that there’s any idea or any intent to mislead or to hide or to falsify the business records,” Blanche declared.
The prosecution has levied 34 felony charges of falsifying business records against Trump, largely based on Cohen’s testimony. These charges arise from accusations that Trump portrayed payments to Cohen as regular legal costs rather than reimbursements for the hush money payment to Daniels.
The defense cross-examined Cohen about his previous criminal behavior, including perjury before Congress and financial crimes. Cohen conceded that since 2020, he has earned over $4 million from books and podcasts, a fact the defense used to question his motives and credibility.
The defense brought in Robert Costello, Cohen’s former lawyer, to contradict Cohen’s allegations. Costello’s testimony was fraught with tension, as he insisted that Cohen had repeatedly said Trump had no knowledge of the payment to Daniels and that Cohen had made the payments independently. He portrayed Cohen as “a maniac” during their initial interactions and stated that Cohen had affirmed Trump’s ignorance about the hush money deal. However, Costello’s courtroom behavior led to a dispute with Judge Juan Merchan, who chastised him for his conduct.
During a tense moment, Judge Merchan queried Costello, “Are you staring me down right now?” The judge temporarily emptied the courtroom to caution Costello about maintaining proper courtroom etiquette.
Trump has been outspoken about the trial, frequently addressing the media after court sessions. On Monday, Trump criticized Judge Merchan, labeling him a “tyrant” and expressing hope that the case would be dismissed. “You saw what we saw. That was an incredible display … a tyrant,” Trump said. He also quoted filmmaker Oliver Stone, describing the trial as an instance of “lawfare,” a reference to Stone’s comments in Cannes for a unique screening of “Lula,” a documentary he co-created with Rob Wilson. It focuses on the remarkable political resurgence of Brazil’s Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva. The movie details his impressive return to the Brazilian presidency in 2022, after he had spent 19 months behind bars. This turnaround came to light following a hacker’s revelations of a plot designed to discredit the labor leader through a corruption scandal, implicating former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and the nation’s top jurist.
Despite Trump’s public remarks, the trial is progressing toward its end. The defense wrapped up its case on May 21, with closing statements expected to start after the Memorial Day weekend. The judge suggested that the jury could begin deliberations next week.
The trial has garnered significant public interest, with frequent updates and commentary from several media outlets. Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee for the 2024 presidential election, has utilized the trial as a platform to rally his supporters and criticize his opponents.
Beyond the courtroom, the trial continues to attract attention from both Trump supporters and detractors. Demonstrations took place outside the courthouse, with anti-Trump protesters at one point overpowering Trump’s supporters. Bernie Kerik, former New York City Police Commissioner, and a long-standing Trump ally, was seen outside the courthouse showing his support for the former president.
