Cohen testifies against Trump in fraud trial.
OAN’s Stephanie Stahl
2:00 PM – Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Michael Cohen, once a steadfast aide to Donald Trump, appeared as a witness in a $250 million civil fraud trial against the former 45th president.
On Tuesday, Cohen took the witness stand, informing the judge that Trump had allegedly instructed him to manipulate financial records when he worked as his lawyer and “fixer.”
According to his claims, Trump directed Cohen and former Trump Org. CFO Allen Weisselberg to modify documents that represented his net worth and inflate his assets.
Cohen also alleged that when they would show Trump his financial statements, “he would look at the total assets and say, ‘I’m actually not worth $4.5 billion. I am really worth more like $6 billion.’”
“He would ask Allen and I to go back to the office and return with the desired goal,” Cohen said.
Cohen plays a pivotal role as a key witness in Attorney General (AG) Tish James’ lawsuit against Trump.
The case claims that Trump, along with his older sons and business associates, artificially increased his net worth to secure advantageous terms from banks and insurers. Cohen’s testimony on Tuesday represents a new chapter in his campaign to challenge Trump, following previous years of staunchly supporting him.
The support stopped five years ago when Cohen admitted guilt in federal campaign finance violations, which he and federal prosecutors claimed were at the direction of Trump.
Since then, Cohen has openly characterized his former boss as a coward and a “con-man.”
Cohen also testified that Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump, the former president’s three eldest children, contributed to his financial documents by providing details about the projects they were overseeing. At that time, all three held executive positions at the Trump Organization.
Ivanka Trump, however, stepped down from her role in the company when she joined the White House.
During a lunch break, reporters asked Cohen how it feels to see his former boss in person again. Cohen called it a “heck of a reunion.” Trump was also asked about his feelings upon seeing Cohen.
“Well I hadn’t seen him in years. You know his record, his record is a horrible one. We’ll see how it ends. It’s not going to end good,” Trump said.
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How might the outcome of this trial shape public perception and potentially impact the political landscape for years to come
In after their public falling out. “It’s a strange feeling,” Cohen confessed. “We used to be so close, but now I see him for who he truly is.”
The trial is expected to last several weeks, with Cohen’s testimony being a critical piece of evidence against Trump. If found guilty, the former president could face hefty fines and potential legal repercussions. The outcome of this trial may also have significant implications for Trump’s political career and his future involvement in public life.
Cohen’s decision to testify against Trump marks a significant turning point in their relationship. Once a loyal confidant and defender of the former president, Cohen has now become one of his most vocal critics. He has made it his mission to expose what he believes to be Trump’s unethical and illegal behavior.
The civil fraud trial is just one of several legal battles Trump is currently facing. From ongoing investigations into his business practices to potential charges related to the January 6th Capitol insurrection, the former president’s legal troubles continue to mount.
As the trial progresses, many will be watching closely to see how the evidence unfolds and what impact it may have on Trump’s legal standing. Regardless of the outcome, this trial serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for transparency in our political leaders.
In a time when trust in institutions and public figures is low, cases like this one play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable for their actions. The justice system must be allowed to run its course, and the truth must prevail.
Ultimately, this trial will have far-reaching consequences beyond its immediate legal implications. It will shape public perception and potentially impact the political landscape for years to come. As the facts are laid bare and witnesses like Cohen come forward, we must reflect on the state of our democracy and the values we hold dear.
Only through transparency, integrity, and a commitment to the truth can we rebuild trust in our leaders and ensure a stronger, more accountable future. The outcome of this trial will be indicative of whether we are moving in the right direction or if there’s still much work to be done.
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