As the New York criminal trial of former President Donald Trump enters its sixth week, the prosecution is expected to rest its case as soon as Monday, May 20. Over the past five weeks, prosecutors have presented testimony from 19 witnesses, with Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, serving as their key witness.
The cross-examination of Cohen on Thursday, May 16, proved to be a pivotal moment, with legal analysts widely agreeing that it was one of Trump’s strongest days in court thus far.
Throughout the trial, jurors have heard a variety of testimonies. David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, testified about burying stories that could have damaged Trump’s reputation during his presidential campaign. Adult film star Stormy Daniels also testified, claiming she had an affair with Trump and was paid $130,000 to keep quiet.
The prosecution’s strategy has focused on proving that Trump paid off Daniels and falsified business records to conceal the payment. Cohen’s testimony is critical to this argument.
If the jury finds Cohen credible, it could significantly bolster the prosecution’s case. The defense, on the other hand, has aimed to undermine Cohen’s credibility, arguing that without his testimony, the case against Trump weakens substantially.
A notable exchange occurred on May 16 when the defense questioned Cohen about a phone call on Oct. 24, 2016, with Trump’s bodyguard, Keith Schiller. Cohen claimed he discussed wiring hush money with Trump during this call.
The defense presented text messages between Cohen and Schiller, suggesting the call was primarily about harassing phone calls Cohen had received from a teenager.
During cross-examination, Cohen maintained that he discussed both issues in the one minute and 36 seconds call. Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, challenged his statement.
“You had enough time in that one minute and 36 seconds to update Mr. Schiller about all the problems you were having with this harassing phone call and also update President Trump on the status of the Stormy Daniels situation?” Blanche asked.
“Yes, I believe I was telling the truth,” Cohen said.
“We are not asking for your belief. This jury does not want to hear what you think happened,” Blanche said.
This line of questioning was highlighted by legal analysts from ABC, CBS, CNN and MSNBC as a key moment in the trial, showcasing the defense’s efforts to cast doubt on Cohen’s testimony.
As the trial progresses, the jury’s perception of Cohen’s credibility remains crucial. The outcome may hinge on whether jury members accept his account of events as truthful, influencing their decision on the charges against Trump.
The trial was on pause Friday, May 17, for Trump to attend his son’s graduation in Florida before heading to a Republican fundraiser in Minnesota. Things will resume on Monday, May 20, where crucial moments still lie ahead. It will be announced early next week whether Trump will take the stand. Closing arguments could begin as early as Tuesday, May 21.
