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Adam Klasfeld: Now part of the entourage: Vivek Ramaswamy, sitting next to Eric Trump. They chat. Also: Doug Burgum. Rep. Byron Donalds.
"All rise."
"All rise."
09:36 AM - May 14, 2024
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"Witness entering." Michael Cohen returns to the stand. His attorney EDanyaPerry sits in the gallery.
---
(note: some press I follow have been unable to get in today, perhaps due to the MAGA sycophants littering the courtroom?)
---
(note: some press I follow have been unable to get in today, perhaps due to the MAGA sycophants littering the courtroom?)
09:43 AM - May 14, 2024
(Edited)
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Cohen's testimony resumes — with his visit to the White House.
Q: Did you have a conversation with then-President Trump?
A: I did.
Cohen says the conversation took place in the Oval Office.
Q: Did you have a conversation with then-President Trump?
A: I did.
Cohen says the conversation took place in the Oval Office.
09:44 AM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen:
"I was sitting with President Trump. He asked me if I was okay. He asked me if I needed money."
Cohen says that he replied that he was okay.
Trump: "Just make sure you deal with Allen."
"I was sitting with President Trump. He asked me if I was okay. He asked me if I needed money."
Cohen says that he replied that he was okay.
Trump: "Just make sure you deal with Allen."
09:46 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower: In that same meeting at the Oval Office, Trump told Cohen that a check for Jan. and Feb. would be forthcoming.
Cohen says he took photos of the visit. The prosecution displays a photo Cohen took. It shows him grinning behind the lectern in the briefing room.
Cohen says he took photos of the visit. The prosecution displays a photo Cohen took. It shows him grinning behind the lectern in the briefing room.
09:50 AM - May 14, 2024
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innercitypress
Cohen: It's my calendar, about February 8 [2017]
Prosecutor: And what's this?
Cohen: My reply to Jeff McConney, regarding two dollar signs. I wrote, Please have the January and February checks payable to Michael D. Cohen, Esquire. Jeff replied, Please invoice me
Cohen: It's my calendar, about February 8 [2017]
Prosecutor: And what's this?
Cohen: My reply to Jeff McConney, regarding two dollar signs. I wrote, Please have the January and February checks payable to Michael D. Cohen, Esquire. Jeff replied, Please invoice me
09:52 AM - May 14, 2024
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Adam Klasfeld:
Prosecutor Hoffinger shows Cohen his invoice seeking "payment for services rendered."
Q: Was this invoice a false record?
A: Yes, ma'am.
Prosecutor Hoffinger shows Cohen his invoice seeking "payment for services rendered."
Q: Was this invoice a false record?
A: Yes, ma'am.
09:54 AM - May 14, 2024
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Adam Klasfeld
Asked whether the check stubs marked "retainer" were false, Cohen gives the same answer: "Yes," they were.
Asked whether the check stubs marked "retainer" were false, Cohen gives the same answer: "Yes," they were.
09:57 AM - May 14, 2024
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innercitypress
Prosecutor: Were the descriptions here on this check stub false?
Cohen: They were.
Prosecutor: Who signed them?
Cohen: Eric Trump and Allen Weisselberg, from the DJT Revocable Trust.
Prosecutor: The March invoice was false too?
Cohen: Yes ma'am.
Prosecutor: Were the descriptions here on this check stub false?
Cohen: They were.
Prosecutor: Who signed them?
Cohen: Eric Trump and Allen Weisselberg, from the DJT Revocable Trust.
Prosecutor: The March invoice was false too?
Cohen: Yes ma'am.
10:04 AM - May 14, 2024
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Prosecutor: Who signed this check?
Cohen: Don Junior and Allen Weisselberg.
Prosecutor: April ... was the description on the check stub false?
Cohen: It was.
Prosecutor: Who signed this one?
Cohen: Donald J. Trump.
Prosecutor: Did you get eight more?
Cohen: Yes
Cohen: Don Junior and Allen Weisselberg.
Prosecutor: April ... was the description on the check stub false?
Cohen: It was.
Prosecutor: Who signed this one?
Cohen: Donald J. Trump.
Prosecutor: Did you get eight more?
Cohen: Yes
10:06 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
We're walking through each of the allegedly false invoices submitted by Cohen and checks signed by Trump.
Was this check paid to you pursuant to a retainer agreement? No ma'am.
So that description on the check stub was false? Yes'mam.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
We're walking through each of the allegedly false invoices submitted by Cohen and checks signed by Trump.
Was this check paid to you pursuant to a retainer agreement? No ma'am.
So that description on the check stub was false? Yes'mam.
Lather, rinse, repeat.
10:10 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
Recall: Trump's charges are based on 11 allegedly false invoices, 11 checks, and 12 "vouchers" entered in the Trump Org general ledger system.
Lots of lathering, lots of rinsing, lots of repeating!
Recall: Trump's charges are based on 11 allegedly false invoices, 11 checks, and 12 "vouchers" entered in the Trump Org general ledger system.
Lots of lathering, lots of rinsing, lots of repeating!
10:12 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
We made it to December 2017 -- the last invoice Cohen mailed to Weisselberg and the last check Cohen received from the Trump Org. Whew!
Cohen testifies that it was the last check he received because after that payment "the full reimbursement had been paid."
We made it to December 2017 -- the last invoice Cohen mailed to Weisselberg and the last check Cohen received from the Trump Org. Whew!
Cohen testifies that it was the last check he received because after that payment "the full reimbursement had been paid."
10:15 AM - May 14, 2024
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I wanna talk to you about the work you did in 2017 with respect to your role as Trump's personal counsel, Hoffinger says.
Did you do any work for Trump or his wife during 2017? Minimal, Cohen says. He mentions a trademark matter he worked on for Melania Trump.
Did you do any work for Trump or his wife during 2017? Minimal, Cohen says. He mentions a trademark matter he worked on for Melania Trump.
10:16 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
Did you do any legal work for Trump in 2018?
Yes. As a result of the Stormy Daniels matter, Cohen explains, Trump wanted an arbitration action filed against her for the breach of the NDA. I was contacted by Eric Trump and Donald Trump about going forward w/ arbitration.
Did you do any legal work for Trump in 2018?
Yes. As a result of the Stormy Daniels matter, Cohen explains, Trump wanted an arbitration action filed against her for the breach of the NDA. I was contacted by Eric Trump and Donald Trump about going forward w/ arbitration.
10:19 AM - May 14, 2024
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Adam Klasfeld
Outside counsel Larry Rosen was also on that case in 2018.
Cohen says he did "more" work that year than in 2017 — and he didn't get paid in 2018.
(Before cross, prosecutors appear to be preemptively rebutting arguments that Cohen was paid for legal services rendered.)
Outside counsel Larry Rosen was also on that case in 2018.
Cohen says he did "more" work that year than in 2017 — and he didn't get paid in 2018.
(Before cross, prosecutors appear to be preemptively rebutting arguments that Cohen was paid for legal services rendered.)
10:22 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
How long did you hold the title of personal attorney to the president? Approximately 15 months.
Did you continue to try to protect him? Yes, ma'am.
You continued to lie for him? Yes. Out of loyalty, and in order to protect him.
How long did you hold the title of personal attorney to the president? Approximately 15 months.
Did you continue to try to protect him? Yes, ma'am.
You continued to lie for him? Yes. Out of loyalty, and in order to protect him.
10:24 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
In the fall of 2017, while you were still the attorney for the president, did Congressional committees ask you to testify related to the Russia investigation?
Yes, Cohen says. The Trump Org paid for the attorney who represented him during his testimony.
In the fall of 2017, while you were still the attorney for the president, did Congressional committees ask you to testify related to the Russia investigation?
Yes, Cohen says. The Trump Org paid for the attorney who represented him during his testimony.
10:26 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
Did you make false statements to congress in connection to that testimony and your written statements?
I did.
Did you make false statements to congress in connection to that testimony and your written statements?
I did.
10:26 AM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen: The statements related to the Moscow Trump Tower project, and specifically the number of times I spoke to Trump about the project. I also misrepresented when those conversations stopped -- I said they stopped earlier than they did.
10:28 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower:
Why lie?
Because I was staying on Trump's message that it wasn't all "Russia, Russia, Russia."
Did you also continue to lie about the Stormy Daniels matter?
Yes, to protect Trump.
Why lie?
Because I was staying on Trump's message that it wasn't all "Russia, Russia, Russia."
Did you also continue to lie about the Stormy Daniels matter?
Yes, to protect Trump.
10:29 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
We turn to the Wall Street Journal's 2018 publication of a story about the Stormy Daniels payoff. The story revealed that Cohen had paid the Daniels hush money payment -- but Cohen issued a statement saying that he did so without Trump's knowledge.
We turn to the Wall Street Journal's 2018 publication of a story about the Stormy Daniels payoff. The story revealed that Cohen had paid the Daniels hush money payment -- but Cohen issued a statement saying that he did so without Trump's knowledge.
10:31 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
We see text messages between Keith Davidson and Michael Cohen from around the time that the WSJ published its 2018 story about the Daniels payment. In the messages, Cohen urges Davidson to have Daniels issue a strong denial.
We see text messages between Keith Davidson and Michael Cohen from around the time that the WSJ published its 2018 story about the Daniels payment. In the messages, Cohen urges Davidson to have Daniels issue a strong denial.
10:35 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
Cohen admits that he pressured Davidson to have Daniels sign a statement denying that she was paid hush money.
Was this statement false? Yes.
How do you know? Because I'm the one who paid it.
Cohen admits that he pressured Davidson to have Daniels sign a statement denying that she was paid hush money.
Was this statement false? Yes.
How do you know? Because I'm the one who paid it.
10:40 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
Cohen says that in 2018 a Federal Elections Commission complaint was filed, alleging that his hush money payment violated campaign finance law. Cohen admits that his response to that complaint was "misleading."
Why? "In order to protect Mr. Trump" and to demonstrate loyalty.
Cohen says that in 2018 a Federal Elections Commission complaint was filed, alleging that his hush money payment violated campaign finance law. Cohen admits that his response to that complaint was "misleading."
Why? "In order to protect Mr. Trump" and to demonstrate loyalty.
10:43 AM - May 14, 2024
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Adam Klasfeld
Justice Merchan issues a curative instruction on the FEC investigation.
"Neither the fact of the FEC investigation, nor the responses thereto," are evidence of Trump's guilt.
Justice Merchan issues a curative instruction on the FEC investigation.
"Neither the fact of the FEC investigation, nor the responses thereto," are evidence of Trump's guilt.
10:48 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
Cohen says that Trump "approved" his statements in both his response to the FEC complaint and the statement he prepared to share with members of the press.
(Here's an early version of Cohen's press statement, which he sent to Maggie Haberman.):
Cohen says that Trump "approved" his statements in both his response to the FEC complaint and the statement he prepared to share with members of the press.
(Here's an early version of Cohen's press statement, which he sent to Maggie Haberman.):
10:51 AM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen says that he also sent the public statement to Jay Sekulow. He had been referred to Sekulow by Sean Hannity to work on the FEC complaint.
The prosecution displays an exhibit -- we can't see it yet, but it appears to be Signal screenshots of messages between Cohen/Sekulow.
The prosecution displays an exhibit -- we can't see it yet, but it appears to be Signal screenshots of messages between Cohen/Sekulow.
10:54 AM - May 14, 2024
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The messages are admitted into evidence. The screenshots materialize on the screen.
"Client says thanks for what you do," Sekulow wrote.
Cohen says that was a reference to Trump being grateful to Cohen for putting out a denial statement.
"Client says thanks for what you do," Sekulow wrote.
Cohen says that was a reference to Trump being grateful to Cohen for putting out a denial statement.
10:55 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
Now Hoffinger asks Cohen about the FEC complaint that David Pecker/AMI received. Cohen told Pecker that Jeff Sessions--the attorney general at the time--would be able to "take care of it."
Why'd you tell him that? It was after a conversation w/ Trump.
Now Hoffinger asks Cohen about the FEC complaint that David Pecker/AMI received. Cohen told Pecker that Jeff Sessions--the attorney general at the time--would be able to "take care of it."
Why'd you tell him that? It was after a conversation w/ Trump.
11:00 AM - May 14, 2024
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You learned at some point that Daniels was planning to go out to talk to the media? Yes.
And you tried to get a temporary restraining order as a result? Yes
Was that at the direction of Donald Trump? Yes
And you tried to get a temporary restraining order as a result? Yes
Was that at the direction of Donald Trump? Yes
11:01 AM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen says they did in fact obtain an arbitration proceeding decision, which granted a temporary restraining order.
Cohen says he tried to serve it upon Keith Davidson, but he wasn't able to do so because Davidson said he no longer represented Daniels.
Cohen says he tried to serve it upon Keith Davidson, but he wasn't able to do so because Davidson said he no longer represented Daniels.
11:02 AM - May 14, 2024
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innercitypress
Cohen: We had a Trump Org California lawyer file it. We served her new counsel - it was Michael Avenatti.
Prosecutor: Did Mr. Avenatti file a lawsuit for Ms. Daniels?
Cohen: Yes. President Trump would be required to sit for a deposition. So the NDA was stricken
Cohen: We had a Trump Org California lawyer file it. We served her new counsel - it was Michael Avenatti.
Prosecutor: Did Mr. Avenatti file a lawsuit for Ms. Daniels?
Cohen: Yes. President Trump would be required to sit for a deposition. So the NDA was stricken
11:04 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
For much of 2018 when you were Trump's attorney, you continued to lie about the Stormy Daniels payment?
Yes.
Now we turn to the search of Cohen's apartment by the FBI.
For much of 2018 when you were Trump's attorney, you continued to lie about the Stormy Daniels payment?
Yes.
Now we turn to the search of Cohen's apartment by the FBI.
11:05 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
It was 7 am, and I looked through the peephole, Cohen says, and I saw a badge.
I found out that they had raided my apartment, which was under construction, and my law office, and a bank where I stored valuables.
The FBI searched those locations for items of mine.
It was 7 am, and I looked through the peephole, Cohen says, and I saw a badge.
I found out that they had raided my apartment, which was under construction, and my law office, and a bank where I stored valuables.
The FBI searched those locations for items of mine.
11:07 AM - May 14, 2024
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They two cell phones, electronic devices, and a series of my tax books and other documents. They packed up much of the documentation in my law office and took that as well.
11:08 AM - May 14, 2024
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How did you feel? "How to describe your life being turned upside down? Concerned, despondent, angry."
Were you frightened? Yes, ma'am.
Cohen says he realised he was under investigation by federal authorities in Southern District of New York.
Were you frightened? Yes, ma'am.
Cohen says he realised he was under investigation by federal authorities in Southern District of New York.
11:08 AM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen received a phone call from Trump in response to a message Cohen left regarding the FBI raid.
He said "Don't worry, I'm the President of the US...everything's going to be ok. Stay tough. You're going to be OK."
Cohen hasn't talked to Trump since that call.
He said "Don't worry, I'm the President of the US...everything's going to be ok. Stay tough. You're going to be OK."
Cohen hasn't talked to Trump since that call.
11:10 AM - May 14, 2024
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How did that call affect how you acted going forward? I felt reassured because I had the President of the United States protecting me. His Justice Department. So I remained in the camp...the Trump camp.
I stayed loyal to him, continued to lie about his involvement.
I stayed loyal to him, continued to lie about his involvement.
11:11 AM - May 14, 2024
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Did people in his circle talk to you during that time? What did they tell you?
"You're loved. He's got your back...don't worry."
🫥
"You're loved. He's got your back...don't worry."
🫥
11:12 AM - May 14, 2024
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After the FBI search, Cohen says that he initially maintained ties with Trump through other people.
The prosecution displays this tweet thread, in which Trump says that "crooked H flunkie" Maggie Haberman is trying to destroy Michael Cohen:
The prosecution displays this tweet thread, in which Trump says that "crooked H flunkie" Maggie Haberman is trying to destroy Michael Cohen:
11:15 AM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen took Trump's tweets as a message to stay in the fold.
At the time, he says, his lawyers were still being paid for by the Trump Organization.
At the time, he says, his lawyers were still being paid for by the Trump Organization.
11:17 AM - May 14, 2024
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Now Justice Mechan announces that it's time for our morning recess.
The jurors file out.
They look hungry. Or maybe that's just me.
Back in 10-15 minutes!
The jurors file out.
They look hungry. Or maybe that's just me.
Back in 10-15 minutes!
11:19 AM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
Meanwhile, while we wait for Cohen's testimony to resume...I've got Georgia on my mind.
During the break, I spotted a familiar face in the courtroom: It's Grant Rood, one of the prosecutors who works on Trump's racketeering case in Fulton County, Georgia.
Meanwhile, while we wait for Cohen's testimony to resume...I've got Georgia on my mind.
During the break, I spotted a familiar face in the courtroom: It's Grant Rood, one of the prosecutors who works on Trump's racketeering case in Fulton County, Georgia.
11:35 AM - May 14, 2024
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We're back
Anna Bower
Hoffinger asks if Cohen knows an attorney named Robert Costello.
Cohen was connected with Costello about potentially retaining him for representation after the FBI raid. Cohen was told Costello was "incredibly close with Rudy Giuliani."
Anna Bower
Hoffinger asks if Cohen knows an attorney named Robert Costello.
Cohen was connected with Costello about potentially retaining him for representation after the FBI raid. Cohen was told Costello was "incredibly close with Rudy Giuliani."
11:42 AM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen met Costello. Costello said that he was "incredibly" close to Giuliani. How close? "As close as you can imagine."
"That would be a relationship that would be very beneficial to you," Costello told Cohen. Why? Because Giuliani had been spending a lot of time w/ Trump.
"That would be a relationship that would be very beneficial to you," Costello told Cohen. Why? Because Giuliani had been spending a lot of time w/ Trump.
11:42 AM - May 14, 2024
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Costello also alluded to a "backchannel" with Trump through Giuliani.
But Cohen said that he found Costello "sketchy." He worried that anything he said would be told to Rudy Giuliani. And because of that, he worried anything he said would get back to Trump.
But Cohen said that he found Costello "sketchy." He worried that anything he said would be told to Rudy Giuliani. And because of that, he worried anything he said would get back to Trump.
11:43 AM - May 14, 2024
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Now Hoffinger asks about emails Cohen exchanged w/Costello following this meeting.
Rudy "asked me to tell you that he knows how tough this is on u & your family" and that he would make sure to tell the President, Costello wrote in part of the email. Costello again referenced a "backchannel" to TFG
Rudy "asked me to tell you that he knows how tough this is on u & your family" and that he would make sure to tell the President, Costello wrote in part of the email. Costello again referenced a "backchannel" to TFG
11:45 AM - May 14, 2024
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In another email, Costello wrote "Sleep well tonight, you have friends in high places." In a postscript, he wrote: "Some very nice comments about you from the White House."
Cohen says he took the "friends in high places" common to be a reference to Trump.
Cohen says he took the "friends in high places" common to be a reference to Trump.
11:46 AM - May 14, 2024
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What effect did these emails and Trump's tweets have on you?
Cohen explains that it let him know he was still "on the team" and led him to believe that the President "had my back."
Cohen explains that it let him know he was still "on the team" and led him to believe that the President "had my back."
11:48 AM - May 14, 2024
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Another Costello email. Like the others, it's marked attorney-client privileged.
But...the email seems to be all about how many times Costello had called or received a call back from Giuliani that day.
Costello was trying to show his proximity to Giuliani/Trump, Cohen says
But...the email seems to be all about how many times Costello had called or received a call back from Giuliani that day.
Costello was trying to show his proximity to Giuliani/Trump, Cohen says
11:50 AM - May 14, 2024
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When Costello spoke like this, did you know why he didn't say "Giuliani" and "Trump"?
It was "covert," "I Spy," kinda stuff, Cohen explains. Code word stuff.
It was "covert," "I Spy," kinda stuff, Cohen explains. Code word stuff.
11:52 AM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen talks about another email Costello sent after Cohen sat down with another attorney. Cohen had not yet retained Costello at that time, and Cohen felt that Costello was "pressuring" him to solidify the attorney-client relationship.
11:55 AM - May 14, 2024
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If you want to communicate something, please let me know, Costello wrote in the email to Cohen.
Cohen took this to mean that anything he might want to communicate would be passed to Giuliani and then eventually to Trump.
Cohen took this to mean that anything he might want to communicate would be passed to Giuliani and then eventually to Trump.
11:59 AM - May 14, 2024
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Another email excerpt: "If you really want certain things to happen...you have the ability to make that communication when you want to." This was part of the pressure campaign, Cohen says. Stay in the fold, don't flip, don't cooperate. Use Costello as a backchannel to Trump.
12:02 PM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen says he never retained Costello to represent him. He hired other attorneys to represent him in the SDNY investigation.
12:04 PM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen talks about conversations he had with his family during that time.
We didn't know what the SDNY was even looking at, he says. I talked to my family about what to do. My family said: Why are you holding on to this loyalty? We're supposed to be your first loyalty.
We didn't know what the SDNY was even looking at, he says. I talked to my family about what to do. My family said: Why are you holding on to this loyalty? We're supposed to be your first loyalty.
12:04 PM - May 14, 2024
59/86
So Cohen decided it was time to make them his first loyalty. He pleaded to a number of federal crimes in August 2018.
12:06 PM - May 14, 2024
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As a part of that plea agreement, you pleaded to one count of making an excessive campaign contribution in violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act? I did.
And it was in connection to the Stormy Daniels payment? It was.
And it was in connection to the Stormy Daniels payment? It was.
12:06 PM - May 14, 2024
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Did you pay the money to Daniels to influence the election for Mr. Trump? Objection, sustained.
Why did you pay the money? So the story would not come out and would not impact Mr. Trump's chances.
On whose behalf did you commit that crime? "On behalf of Mr. Trump."
Why did you pay the money? So the story would not come out and would not impact Mr. Trump's chances.
On whose behalf did you commit that crime? "On behalf of Mr. Trump."
12:09 PM - May 14, 2024
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Did you also plead to an unlawful campaign contribution? Yes.
What did that relate to? The Karen McDougal-AMI deal.
Cohen says that he assisted with that deal, too, on Trump's behalf.
What did that relate to? The Karen McDougal-AMI deal.
Cohen says that he assisted with that deal, too, on Trump's behalf.
12:12 PM - May 14, 2024
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What was that day like for you, pleading guilty to all of those crimes?
"Worst day of my life."
"Worst day of my life."
12:13 PM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen understood that it was being communicated to him that he should not cooperate with law enforcement.
How did it feel to have the President of the United States tweet this about you? "Caused a lot of angst and anxiety."
How did it feel to have the President of the United States tweet this about you? "Caused a lot of angst and anxiety."
12:18 PM - May 14, 2024
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Hoffinger has Cohen acknowledge his later guilty plea for false statements to Congress -- that plea related to the statements he made to Congress in 2017 about his conversations with Trump regarding the Trump Org project in Moscow.
12:19 PM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen says that he was sentenced and surrendered to prison in 2019. Three months before he surrendered, he testified before Congress about matters related to Trump. He testified that Trump "directed" him to pay off Daniels and that it was for Trump's benefit.
12:20 PM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower
Cohen also says that he apologized to the American public for "lying to them" about information that "the citizenry had a right to know."
What was that like?
Horrible.
Cohen also says that he apologized to the American public for "lying to them" about information that "the citizenry had a right to know."
What was that like?
Horrible.
12:23 PM - May 14, 2024
69/86
[To clarify, Cohen was describing what it was like to testify before Congress...He wasn't saying it was "horrible" to apologise to the American people].
12:25 PM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen says that he spoke to the special counsel's office during the Mueller investigation.
Did you tell them the truth about your 2017 Congressional testimony regarding Trump Tower Moscow deal?
I did not, because I was still holding onto the loyalty to President Trump.
Did you tell them the truth about your 2017 Congressional testimony regarding Trump Tower Moscow deal?
I did not, because I was still holding onto the loyalty to President Trump.
12:27 PM - May 14, 2024
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innercitypress
Prosecutor: Did you provide testimony to the Office of the Special Counsel?
Cohen: Yes. I admitted that my previous testimony to Congress was false.
Prosecutor: How much time did you serve and where?
Cohen: 13 months in Otisville. Then home confinement
Prosecutor: Did you provide testimony to the Office of the Special Counsel?
Cohen: Yes. I admitted that my previous testimony to Congress was false.
Prosecutor: How much time did you serve and where?
Cohen: 13 months in Otisville. Then home confinement
12:30 PM - May 14, 2024
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Prosecutor: Were you briefly sent back to prison?
Trump's lawyer Blanche: Objection
Justice Merchan: Overruled
Cohen: I was head up to Bronx to GEO. But I received a call from Adam at 500 Pearl Street, I'm told I need to go there. I asked Jeffrey K. Levine to come
Trump's lawyer Blanche: Objection
Justice Merchan: Overruled
Cohen: I was head up to Bronx to GEO. But I received a call from Adam at 500 Pearl Street, I'm told I need to go there. I asked Jeffrey K. Levine to come
12:31 PM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen: They showed me an agreement that violated the First Amendment
Trump's lawyer Blanche: Objection.
Prosecutor: I'll ask a few leading questions. Did the agreement constrain your ability to speak?
Cohen: Yes. I was writing a book -
Trump's lawyer Blanche: Objection.
Prosecutor: I'll ask a few leading questions. Did the agreement constrain your ability to speak?
Cohen: Yes. I was writing a book -
12:32 PM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower: Since Cohen was sentenced in federal court, he has applied for a sentence reduction. His attorney has requested a letter from NY State prosecutors to assist him in that sentence reduction. However, fed prosecutors said they would not accept such a letter, so no letter was issued by DA
12:36 PM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen says that he has since continued to assist the Manhattan DA's office, even after no letter was issued to assist him with his sentence reduction. It has not impacted the truthfulness of his testimony, he says.
12:36 PM - May 14, 2024
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Anna Bower: Since you pleaded guilty, have you made public statements that you shouldn't have been prosecuted?
Focusing on the tax charges, Cohen says he didn't think he should have been prosecuted because he was a first time offender who had never even been audited.
Focusing on the tax charges, Cohen says he didn't think he should have been prosecuted because he was a first time offender who had never even been audited.
12:43 PM - May 14, 2024
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You testified in a civil case against the Trump Organization? I did.
Were you asked on cross examination by Trump's lawyers about statements.....before she can finish, Blanche pops up w/ an objection. The parties sidebar out of earshot.
Were you asked on cross examination by Trump's lawyers about statements.....before she can finish, Blanche pops up w/ an objection. The parties sidebar out of earshot.
12:44 PM - May 14, 2024
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When they return from sidebar, Merchan says the objection is withdrawn.
Hoffinger resumes: At the Trump Org civil trial, you were asked if you had "lied" to the judge who took your plea for tax evasion and bank fraud? Yes
Hoffinger resumes: At the Trump Org civil trial, you were asked if you had "lied" to the judge who took your plea for tax evasion and bank fraud? Yes
12:46 PM - May 14, 2024
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And did you say that yes it was a lie? Yes.
Can you explain?
"The underlying facts I've never disputed"..But it goes back again to the issue that I was given 48 hours to accept the plea or they were going to file an indictment against my wife. I was going to protect my wife.
Can you explain?
"The underlying facts I've never disputed"..But it goes back again to the issue that I was given 48 hours to accept the plea or they were going to file an indictment against my wife. I was going to protect my wife.
12:47 PM - May 14, 2024
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Hoffinger continues her sustained effort to pre-empt the impeachment material that the defense no doubt has at the ready for cross.
She elicits testimony from Cohen in which he explains that he lost his law license as a result of his criminal history.
She elicits testimony from Cohen in which he explains that he lost his law license as a result of his criminal history.
12:47 PM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen says he's sold his taxi medallions and most of his real estate. He has one secondary apartment, but all the rest he has had to sell.
Cohen explains what he does for work now. While he was on home confinement, he began a podcast called "Mea Culpa." (It's my initials, he explains.)
Cohen explains what he does for work now. While he was on home confinement, he began a podcast called "Mea Culpa." (It's my initials, he explains.)
12:49 PM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen also has a MediasTouch Network podcast with Ben Meiselas. He wrote a book in prison, "Disloyal." A large part of the book is about Trump, he concedes. He's made some money from that book.
12:50 PM - May 14, 2024
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He wrote another book, "Revenge," and portions of it are also about Trump. He's made some money from it, too.
These are things he's done to support his family.
He's also sold merchandise. "There's one that's reflective of Mr. Trump," Cohen says of his merchandise.
These are things he's done to support his family.
He's also sold merchandise. "There's one that's reflective of Mr. Trump," Cohen says of his merchandise.
12:51 PM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen says that he has continued to be the subject of public attacks from Trump. We see one, from around the time Cohen testified before the grand jury, in which Trump calls Cohen a "convicted jailbird."
12:52 PM - May 14, 2024
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Cohen says he doesn't regret working for the Trump Org.
He had some "interesting and great times." But to keep the loyalty and to do the things he asked me to do, I violated my moral compass. And I suffered the penalty, as did my family."
Nothing further from the prosecution.
He had some "interesting and great times." But to keep the loyalty and to do the things he asked me to do, I violated my moral compass. And I suffered the penalty, as did my family."
Nothing further from the prosecution.
12:54 PM - May 14, 2024
