Former federal prosecutor Katie Cherkasky weighs in on the explosive testimony from Michael Cohen, alleging theft from the Trump Organization, during the ongoing NY v. Trump trial.
Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen's credibility has come under fire as the cross-examination in the NY v. Trump trial exposes allegations of theft and falsehoods. Cohen admitted to stealing thousands of dollars from the Trump Organization by inflating payments to a tech company.
"You stole from the Trump Org, right?" Trump attorney Todd Blanche confronted Cohen during Wednesday's proceedings. Cohen's response, a simple "Yes, sir," confirmed the troubling allegations.
This revelation stems from Cohen's previous testimony, where he disclosed a $420,000 repayment scheme orchestrated by himself and former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg. The payment was intended to reimburse Cohen for his $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, a former pornography star who claimed to have had an affair with Trump.
Cohen claimed that the repayment was "grossed up" to avoid tax liability and included a reimbursement of $50,000 to the tech company Red Finch. However, Cohen's testimony contradicted these claims, revealing that he only paid Red Finch about $20,000 in cash, pocketing a significant $30,000 difference.
During a cross-examination meeting, Cohen confessed to lying to Weisselberg about the amount paid to Red Finch. Despite not fully paying the company, Cohen received reimbursement from the Trump Organization for the entire $50,000.
Cohen's justification for his actions was equally concerning. He claimed that taking the $30,000 was an act of "self help" due to his anger over a reduced bonus. Cohen's explanation failed to excuse his theft from the organization that employed him.
The allegations of theft further undermine Cohen's credibility, which was already compromised by previous revelations. Last week, a former lawyer who advised Cohen testified that he was a habitual liar. These accusations have raised significant doubts about the reliability of Cohen's testimony in the NY v. Trump trial.
Cohen's testimony has extended over four days, and Trump's legal team initially anticipated completing the cross-examination on Monday. However, the ongoing revelations have necessitated further examination. Closing arguments are expected next Tuesday, after the Memorial Day holiday.
Cohen's testimony has provided damaging evidence against Trump, implicating him in the payments made to Daniels. Trump has pleaded not guilty in the case and has repeatedly denied the alleged affair. As the trial nears its conclusion, Cohen's credibility continues to be scrutinized, casting a shadow over the strength of the prosecution's case.
