Michael Cohen’s former lawyer likely to testify in Manhattan Trump inquiry: Report

A lawyer who once worked for Michael Cohen is expected to testify before a Manhattan grand jury investigating former President Donald Trump, according to reports.

Robert Costello will reportedly give testimony following a request from Trump’s lawyers as prosecutors weigh possible criminal charges against the former president, the Wall Street Journal has reported. Costello gave advice to Cohen during an FBI raid on his home and office back in 2018. Prosecutors have also requested Cohen remain available Monday.

This testimony is significant because Costello previously recounted that Cohen told him that he paid adult film star Stormy Daniels in order to protect Melania Trump and that Cohen sought a pardon from Trump, per the Wall Street Journal. Cohen has already waived the attorney-client privilege with Costello.

Trump suggested last week that he “will be arrested on Tuesday of next week,” but a New York Times report cast doubt on that, noting that at least one more witness was set to deliver testimony before the grand jury. Trump, himself was invited to deliver testimony before the panel but does not appear to have taken up the offer.

Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, has already made multiple appearances before prosecutors and the grand jury, including last Wednesday, when he testified before the panel.

Prosecutors at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office have been focusing on the alleged $130,000 hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 cycle, as well as related falsification of business records. Daniels accused Trump of having an affair with her nearly a decade prior.

Cohen pleaded guilty to charges related to the payment back in 2018, including a campaign finance violation. Cohen had another lawyer represent him on that agreement.

Last week, a report emerged that New York law enforcement was preparing for fallout if Trump were to get indicted by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. An indictment of Trump will mark the first time in United States history that a former president was charged with a crime. Trump has vehemently denied wrongdoing and decried the Manhattan DA’s investigation as a witch hunt.

Trump urged his followers on Saturday to “protest, take our nation back.” In response, the district attorney’s office reportedly told staffers that it was taking potential threats seriously.

“We do not tolerate attempts to intimidate our office or threaten the rule of law in New York,” an email sent to staff said, according to the report.

The Manhattan DA and Costello were contacted for comments.

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