Trump’s former lawyer on witness stand for hush money trial
Reporter: Bradley Blackburn
(CBS) - For a third day, former President Trump’s ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen was on the witness stand in Trump’s New York criminal trial.
Cohen is the prosecution’s star witness, but Trump’s defense team hammered him Thursday, trying to portray Cohen as a liar.
Former President Trump’s defense team attacked Michael Cohen on the stand Thursday - ticking through past crimes and times Trump’s one-time lawyer and fixer has admittedly lied under oath.
Trump’s defense also suggested Cohen was upset he wasn’t chosen to serve in Trump’s White House and has since made millions by slamming the former president.
The jury heard clips of TV interviews where Cohen vowed revenge.
Cohen testified he lied to protect trump, as well as his own wife and family.
He also told the jury about calling trump’s bodyguard – to inform trump about “hush money” paid to stormy daniels.
Trump is charged with falsifying business records to cover up the payment and has pleaded not guilty.
(nats up)
The former president had a large entourage accompany him to courthouse thursday, including 11 congressional allies…
(sot: rep. Matt gaetz / r-fl)
“we are here of our own volition because there are things that we can say things that president trump is not allowed to say.”
(sot: jessica levinson / cbs news legal analyst)
“I think the courtroom has provided an opportunity for republican officials to audition for either the vice presidency and or a position in a future cabinet. I think the courtroom has become somewhat of an audition. It's a bunch of republican officials trying to prove their loyalty to the former president, which we know is really, really important to him.”
Cohen is expected to be the prosecution's last witness… Then the defense will have a chance to present its case.
Bradley blackburn, cbs news, new york
(suggested tag) the trial will be paused tomorrow so former president trump can attend his son’s high school graduation. The judge also announced the case may stretch past memorial day weekend.
