Prosecutors Warn Michael Cohen to Stop Taunting Trump in Hush Money Case

Judge Merchan issued a stern warning to prosecutors in the hush money case involving former President Donald Trump, urging them to get Michael Cohen to stop his taunting posts and jabs at Trump. Cohen, once a loyalist to Trump, has become a fierce critic since pleading guilty to federal charges. The prosecution is building its case around Cohen, who arranged a $130,000 payout to Stormy Daniels to keep her alleged sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier under wraps.

As the trial nears its conclusion, the judge’s warning highlights the complexity of Cohen as a witness. Defense attorneys are expected to argue that Cohen, a disbarred lawyer who served prison time, is out to get Trump and cannot be trusted. Cohen is set to take the stand on Monday, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The trial has seen technical testimony about record-keeping, contrasting with Daniels’ dramatic account of her alleged encounter with Trump. Witnesses have ranged from bookkeepers to individuals with unflattering stories about Trump and the tabloid world machinations to keep them secret. Ultimately, the case revolves around whether payments were made to illegally influence the 2016 election.

Trump, visibly angry during Daniels’ testimony, has been actively engaged with his lawyers during the trial. He addressed the allegation of falsifying company records to conceal hush money reimbursements to Cohen, portraying the ledger entries as routine actions. The defense has argued that the payments were made to protect Trump’s family, not his campaign.

The trial could be the only one of four against Trump to go to trial before the upcoming election. Trump has pleaded not guilty and portrays himself as a victim of a politically motivated justice system. The case has drawn attention for its high-profile witnesses and the potential impact on Trump’s political future. Stay tuned for more updates as the trial progresses.