During the trial, Joshua Steinglass pointed out what he believed to be an inconsistency in the defense argument presented by Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, regarding Michael Cohen. Steinglass highlighted that Blanche seemed to be trying to have it both ways by labeling Cohen as a thief while also denying that the $420,000 payment was a reimbursement.
Steinglass emphasized that Blanche's statement about Cohen stealing $60,000 due to it being grossed up contradicted the defense's claim that the $420,000 was not a reimbursement but rather payment for legal services rendered in 2016. Steinglass argued that if the payment was indeed for legal services, then there was no theft involved, as Cohen was being compensated for his work in 2017.
This apparent inconsistency in the defense's argument was highlighted by Steinglass as he addressed the jury, suggesting that the defense could not simultaneously portray Cohen as a thief and deny that the payment was a reimbursement.
