Hush money
Trump trial: key witness Cohen takes the stand
Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer Michael Cohen is testifying in court today in the criminal trial against the former US President. photo
© Stefan Jeremiah/AP/dpa
In the hush money trial against former President Donald Trump, his ex-lawyer is giving his testimony today. The public prosecutor’s office is hoping for a breakthrough.
The point was that “positive stories about Mr. Trump that would be beneficial” were spread by him and Pecker in the Trump-affiliated “National Enquirer.” On the other hand, he worked with Pecker to prevent negative reports that accused Trump of extramarital affairs. For this purpose, among other things, the rights to these stories were bought without ever wanting to publish them. Cohen confirmed Pecker’s statement from the end of April.
Elections 2016: Prevent negative reports
Cohen is seen as a central figure in establishing a direct link between the now 77-year-old and hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. By not collaborating illegally with Pecker, the prosecution wants to support its claim that Trump’s goal was to protect his campaign from negative reports in order to have a better chance of voting in November 2016. This is intended to counteract a possible defense argument that Trump’s payment to porn star Daniels was simply about preventing damage to his family.
Prosecutors in New York accuse Trump of trying to improve his chances of winning the 2016 presidential election by paying porn actress Daniels $130,000. Although the payment itself was not illegal, Trump allegedly manipulated documents when refunding Cohen to conceal the true reason for the transaction.
This is the first criminal trial of a former president in United States history. Trump faces a prison sentence of several years, which could also be suspended, or a fine. The proceedings could have an impact on the election campaign in the USA. Trump, who wants to become US president again in November, has pleaded not guilty.