In a bold move during the closing statements of former President Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial, his attorney stated that the prosecution’s star witness lied under oath about several key matters. The case revolves around accusations against Trump for falsifying business records in connection with the Stormy Daniels scandal.
Todd Blanche, Trump’s defense attorney, claimed Michael Cohen, a former associate and lawyer of the ex-president, lied to the court about important details. Specifically, Blanche pointed out that Cohen lied about discussing the Stormy Daniels payment arrangement with President Trump himself.
Cohen’s credibility has been a significant point of contention in this trial. The prosecution relies heavily on Cohen’s testimony, where he claimed Trump directed him to repay Daniels for her silence about an alleged affair. However, Blanche asserted that Cohen has lied multiple times before the court, and his financial interests are tied to the outcome of the case, making him a biased witness.
In addition to casting doubt on Cohen’s testimony, Blanche pointed out inconsistencies in prosecutors’ claims that Cohen wasn’t being paid for legal work in 2017, but was instead reimbursed for the Daniels payment in a roundabout way. Emails and testimonies suggest otherwise, revealing that Cohen did indeed handle some legal matters for Trump that year.
Blanche urged jurors to disregard political biases when making their verdict, emphasizing that this case is not about personal opinions of Trump’s presidency or potential future election bids but rather the evidence presented in court. The prosecution will make its closing arguments later this week.
This trial continues amidst a gag order issued by Judge Juan Merchan, prohibiting Trump from discussing witnesses and other individuals connected to the case. Despite multiple attempts to appeal the gag order, it has been rejected by both the judge and a state appeals court.
