Trump lawyers vie to discredit key witness Cohen at trial

New York, United States – AFP

Donald Trump’s lawyer took cracks at key witness Michael Cohen during wide-ranging cross-examination Thursday, questioning his memory and poking at his credibility during the first criminal trial of a former US president.

Trump is accused of falsifying business records as he reimbursed Cohen for a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, when her story of a sexual encounter with Trump could have doomed his campaign.

The defense team has sought to instill doubt by casting Cohen as a disgruntled ex-employee who habitually lies and is out for blood at the trial, which is being heard just six months before election day when Trump hopes to retake the White House.

Under the close watch of Trump, defense attorney Todd Blanche kicked off his second round of questioning by emphasizing Cohen’s history of lying, especially under oath.

In addition to listing Cohen’s myriad deceptions — which he has admitted to in the past including during direct questioning — the defense also played clips of the witness’s podcast episodes that frequently discussed the former president.

“You better believe I want this man to go down,” he said in one 2020 episode.

Cohen has said repeatedly he takes “responsibility” for his actions and has faced the consequences. Prior to the trial, including in his books, he had done little to hide his contempt for his former boss.

Trump meanwhile has complained his election campaign for another White House term is being stymied by the weeks-long court proceedings, which he has to attend every day.

Branding the case as politicized, he has been supported by an entourage of leading Republicans at the New York trial, with his latest crew of allies including lawmakers Matt Gaetz and Lauren Boebert.

Outside the court, Trump again raged against “what a scam this whole thing is.”

“I’ve been sitting here for almost four weeks. And we still have a long way to go,” he said.

The defense did not finish questioning Cohen and will continue Monday. There is no hearing on Friday due to the high school graduation ceremony of Trump’s youngest son, Barron.