MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell has defended ex-Trump attorney Michael Cohen after the witness admitted to stealing money from the Trump Organization during ongoing New York trial.
Former President Trump's ex-'fixer' Michael Cohen, currently a star witness in the New York trial against the Trump Organization, has sent shockwaves by admitting to stealing money from his former employer. This revelation has sparked a heated debate, with MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell defending Cohen while critics denounce his credibility.
During cross-examination, Trump defense lawyer Todd Blanche confronted Cohen about an alleged $50,000 payment to tech company Red Finch, which Cohen diverted, pocketing $30,000.
"You stole from the Trump Org, right?" Blanche asked Cohen, who responded affirmatively.
MSNBC's O'Donnell, covering the trial, dismissed the stolen funds as "irrelevant" and criticized Blanche for not focusing on the $130,000 paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, the central issue in the trial.
"It sounded a lot like Michael Cohen doing the little that could within that calculation to rebalance the bonus he thought he deserved," O'Donnell said, downplaying the theft.
However, critics have expressed concerns over Cohen's integrity, noting his proven history of lying and his open hostility towards Trump.
Another damaging revelation emerged when Blanche accused Cohen of lying about communications with Trump's former bodyguard Keith Schiller. Cohen had claimed to have called Schiller about the hush money payment, but text messages showed Cohen inquiring about prank phone calls.
"That was a lie, you did not talk to President Trump," Blanche said.
Cohen responded evasively, "I'm not certain that's accurate."
O'Donnell's defense of Cohen has raised eyebrows, particularly his earlier description of Daniels' court appearance as "nun-like," drawing accusations of bias towards Trump.
Cohen's testimony has cast doubt on the prosecution's case against Trump, with critics questioning his credibility and the impact of his theft confession. The trial continues, with the outcome remaining uncertain amidst the ongoing debate over Cohen's integrity and the relevance of his alleged theft.
