During his testimony, Michael Cohen expressed his frustration and anger over a significant cut to his bonus by Donald Trump. Cohen revealed that after personally fronting $130,000 to protect Trump, he was shocked to find his bonus slashed by two-thirds. This action left him feeling insulted and unappreciated.
Trump traditionally provided bonuses to his staff in annual Christmas cards, and Cohen's reaction upon seeing the reduced bonus was immediate. He described feeling the need to express his anger to CFO Allen Weisselberg, using colorful language to convey his deep disappointment. Despite Cohen's visible frustration, Trump appeared to find the situation amusing, even nodding in agreement as Cohen recounted his reaction.
Cohen maintained a measured and composed tone throughout his testimony, even adding a touch of humor by stating, 'I was even for myself unusually angry.' This statement elicited laughter from the audience in the overflow room, highlighting the tension and emotions surrounding the testimony.
As the proceedings continued, Trump was seen reviewing a sheet of paper while holding a black marker, indicating his engagement with the testimony. The dynamic between Cohen and Trump during this exchange underscored the personal and financial complexities of their relationship.
The testimony shed light on the interpersonal dynamics within Trump's inner circle and the impact of financial decisions on personal relationships. Cohen's candid account of his reaction to the bonus cut provided a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes tensions and emotions within the Trump organization.
