This morning, Donald Trump's lawyers engaged in a highly anticipated cross-examination of his former fixer, Michael Cohen. The exchange began with defense attorney Todd Blanche questioning Cohen about their previous interactions, including a TikTok incident where Cohen allegedly called Blanche a derogatory term.
During the proceedings, the prosecution objected to certain lines of questioning, leading the judge to sustain the objections. The defense has been trying to extract key information from Cohen to support their narrative of revenge and personal animus against Trump.
One crucial aspect of Cohen's testimony revolves around an Oval Office meeting where Trump allegedly discussed reimbursing Cohen for payments made to Stormy Daniels. The defense is focusing on discrediting Cohen's testimony by highlighting inconsistencies and lack of corroborating evidence.
The case primarily centers on 34 counts related to falsifying business records, with a particular emphasis on the logistics of the reimbursement process and the intent behind certain actions taken by Trump and his associates.
The defense's strategy hinges on casting doubt on Cohen's credibility and portraying his testimony as driven by a desire for payback against the former president. The jury will be instructed to evaluate Cohen's testimony in its entirety, allowing them to accept or disregard specific parts based on their assessment of his reliability.
If the jury finds Cohen's story convincing, it could significantly impact the outcome of the trial and potentially lead to a guilty verdict against Trump. The defense's ability to undermine Cohen's credibility and raise doubts about the veracity of his claims will be crucial in shaping the final decision.