Cohen could confront Trump in NY civil trial.
Former President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, is set to testify in a civil fraud case against his former boss on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The highly anticipated reunion between the two is expected to be a dramatic showdown.
After being delayed for a week due to health reasons, Cohen expressed his eagerness to take the witness stand. He made it clear that he was not backing down, nor was he being intimidated. In a bold statement, he declared, “I’m not bowing out. I’m not nervous to testify. I’m not being paid off. I have a medical issue that I need to attend to. It’s as simple as that.”
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Michael Cohen’s relationship with President Trump turned sour in 2018, leading to a series of legal battles. Two prominent cases emerged from Cohen’s claims against Trump: a civil fraud case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James and a criminal case prosecuted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
In the ongoing fraud case, New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron has already ruled that President Trump is guilty of fraud. The trial will determine the extent of damages Trump will have to pay. Letitia James is seeking $250 million in damages and aims to prevent Trump and his adult sons from holding executive positions in New York.
In a pretrial summary judgment, Justice Engoron also revoked Trump’s business certificates and ordered the dissolution of Trump Organization and its related companies. However, an appeals court has temporarily halted the process, and Trump has vowed to appeal the decision.
Michael Cohen served as President Trump’s personal attorney from 2006 to 2018 and held a vice president position in Trump Organization. In 2019, Cohen testified before the House Oversight Committee in Congress, revealing damning evidence against Trump.
Congress Testimony
During his testimony, Cohen presented a check from Trump, which he claimed was reimbursement for hush money payments. This check is now at the center of the criminal case against Trump. Cohen himself was convicted in 2018 for campaign finance violations related to these payments.
Cohen also provided financial statements from Trump Organization, alleging that Trump manipulated his assets for personal gain. Additionally, Cohen testified before Congress in 2018 and 2017 regarding the investigation into Trump’s ties with Russia. He later pleaded guilty to lying in his testimony, raising doubts about his credibility as a witness.
President Trump’s attorneys have seized upon Cohen’s history of dishonesty to challenge his reliability as a witness.
On the first day of the civil trial, prosecutors played videos of depositions, including one where Cohen claimed that Trump wanted to boost his ranking on the Forbes list. The courtroom was captivated by these revelations.
Lawsuits
In 2019, Cohen filed a lawsuit against Trump Organization, which was settled just before the trial was scheduled to begin. The lawsuit sought compensation for unpaid fees and losses incurred in another criminal case.
Recently, President Trump dropped a countersuit against Cohen, but it is possible that he may pursue legal action in the future. Cohen, who frequently criticizes Trump on various platforms, had raised funds for his legal fees through crowdfunding before the countersuit was dropped.
The withdrawal of the suit coincided with Trump’s scheduled deposition, leading to speculation about the motives behind the decision. Trump’s spokesperson cited his busy legal schedule and ongoing “witch hunts” as reasons for dropping the suit, with the intention of revisiting it later.
How is Michael Cohen’s testimony expected to shed further light on Trump’s alleged wrongdoing, and what potential implications could it have for Trump’s legal troubles?
S, where he made several damaging allegations against Trump, including accusations of campaign finance violations and involvement in hush money payments to porn star, Stormy Daniels.
Cohen’s testimony in the civil fraud case is expected to shed further light on Trump’s alleged wrongdoing. It is unclear whether Cohen will provide any new evidence or simply reaffirm his previous statements. Nevertheless, his testimony is likely to be a significant moment in the case and could have far-reaching implications for Trump’s legal troubles.
While Cohen has been portrayed as a disgruntled former employee seeking revenge against his former boss, he has maintained that his actions are driven by a sense of responsibility and loyalty to the American people. In an interview with CNN, Cohen stated, “I’m doing this because it’s the right thing to do. People need to know the truth about Donald Trump.”
Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has called Cohen a liar and a convicted felon. In response to Cohen’s upcoming testimony, Trump’s lawyers have sought to discredit him, questioning his credibility and character. They argue that Cohen’s prior conviction for tax evasion and his history of lies undermine his credibility as a witness.
Regardless of the outcome of the civil fraud case, Cohen’s testimony brings the spotlight back onto Trump’s questionable business practices and his alleged involvement in illicit activities. It serves as a reminder of the numerous legal challenges that continue to haunt the former president, even after leaving office.
The civil fraud case against Trump is just one of many legal battles he faces, including ongoing investigations into his financial dealings, tax returns, and potential obstruction of justice during his presidency. These legal troubles have the potential to tarnish Trump’s legacy and have political implications for his future endeavors, including a potential presidential run in 2024.
As the date of Cohen’s testimony approaches, anticipation and speculation surround the potential revelations that may come to light. The courtroom will undoubtedly serve as a stage for high drama and intense scrutiny. All eyes will be on Michael Cohen as he takes the witness stand and provides his account of his former boss’s alleged fraudulent activities.
Ultimately, the outcome of the civil fraud case will depend on the evidence presented and the judgment of the court. But regardless of the verdict, the testimonies and legal battles surrounding Trump serve as a stark reminder that no one, not even a former president, is above the law.
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