Michael Cohen, once a lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, testified in Manhattan criminal court on Monday during the trial where Trump faces charges related to alleged hush-money payments. Cohen, deemed the prosecution's key witness in this first criminal case ever brought against a former American president, shared insights into Trump's directive to handle potentially damaging stories by purchasing them, ensuring they would not be leaked to the public.
During his testimony, Cohen described his involvement in a deal with the National Enquirer to suppress a story from a Trump Tower doorman, Dino Sajudin, who falsely claimed that Trump fathered a child out of wedlock. According to Cohen, after hearing Sajudin's story, he was directed by Trump to "handle it," leading him to coordinate a $30,000 payment to Sajudin in exchange for his silence.
Cohen also touched on the broader media strategy during Trump's campaign, including efforts by the National Enquirer to publish positive stories about Trump and negative stories about his opponents. Additionally, he recounted the way he managed sensitive business transactions for Trump, including renegotiating financial deals and managing personal concerns.
The trial, under the oversight of judge Juan M. Merchan, highlights the significant role Cohen played in Trump's personal and business dealings, especially during the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election. Cohen's detailed narrative on Monday also delved into his previous roles and tasks which supported Trump in both legal and questionable manners. Now distanced and critical of Trump, Cohen’s testimony may crucially influence the jury’s view of the accusations against the former president.