In the ongoing trial, Michael Cohen, President Trump's former lawyer, faced intense cross-examination by Tom Blanch, Trump's current lawyer. Blanch aimed to discredit Cohen as a habitual liar, questioning his testimony preparation, meetings with prosecutors, and alleged inconsistencies in his statements.
Cohen's 2019 congressional testimony, where he discussed his work for Trump and the Trump organization, was a focal point. President Trump's defense team revealed their intention to call Bradley Smith, an election expert and ex-chairman of the Federal Election Commission, as a witness. Smith's stance that payments to Stormy Daniels were personal expenses, not campaign contributions as prosecutors claim, could weaken the prosecution's case.
Smith drew parallels to the trial of former Senator John Edwards, who faced charges related to misusing campaign funds to conceal an extramarital affair. Edwards' trial ended in an acquittal and mistrial. However, Judge Mershawn expressed caution about Smith's testimony, aiming to avoid a clash of campaign experts.
The trial is expected to progress swiftly, with today's cross-examination likely concluding and closing arguments scheduled for next week, possibly on Tuesday due to Memorial Day falling on Monday.
