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Manhattan Prosecutors Seek Direct Evidence of Trump's Guilt from Michael Cohen in Criminal Trial

Published: 13 May 2024 at 08:00

Politics

In the New York state criminal trial of former U.S. president Donald Trump, Manhattan prosecutors are seeking direct evidence of Trump's guilt, specifically related to charges of falsifying business records. Michael Cohen, set to testify, is expected to provide insight into the alleged hush money scheme and reimbursement cover-up orchestrated at Trump's direction. Despite Cohen's questionable character, his unique position allows for firsthand accounts of these events, potentially bolstering the prosecution's case. The trial is significant as it marks the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president.

DEEP DIVE


Former President Trump expresses frustration with his criminal trial outside the courtroom


Former President Donald Trump reiterates his frustration with his criminal trial in New York, stating that media reports indicate there is no smoking gun to prove his intent in the unprecedented Manhattan trial. The case revolves around his former attorney, Michael Cohen, paying Stormy Daniels to quiet her claims of an extramarital affair. Trump denies the affair, and prosecutors allege that the Trump Organization reimbursed Cohen and falsely recorded the payments as legal expenses.

Former President Trump's Trial Continues with Cross-Examination of Stormy Daniels


Former President Trump's criminal trial in New York includes the cross-examination of Stormy Daniels, a key witness for the prosecution, following the denial of a mistrial. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments before the 2016 election. The charges allege efforts to silence Daniels about an extramarital affair. Manhattan District Attorney aims to prove Trump's involvement in a conspiracy to influence the election.

Michael Cohen to Testify in Trump's Hush Money Trial


Michael Cohen, a key witness in the hush money case against Donald Trump, will testify that he paid $130,000 to Stormy Daniels at Trump's direction to conceal an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Prosecutors charge Trump with falsifying business records related to reimbursing Cohen. Trump denies the affair. Cohen's credibility is questioned by Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche. Cohen, obsessed with Trump, faces scrutiny for mocking him. Susan Hoffinger will question Cohen as the trial nears conclusion.

Michael Cohen's Role in the New York v. Trump Case and Controversy Surrounding His Credibility


Former President Donald Trump's ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, is set to testify in the New York v. Trump case about a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. Cohen's credibility has been questioned due to his social media presence and past actions, with some labeling him a 'grifter.' Legal experts debate his reliability as a witness in the trial, while Cohen continues to make TikTok videos and fundraising efforts related to the case.

Key Witness Michael Cohen Expected to Testify in Trump Hush Money Trial


One of Donald Trump's closest White House aides has concluded her testimony in the former president's hush money trial, paving the way for key witness Michael Cohen to testify regarding the hush money agreement negotiated with Stormy Daniels in 2016 and how Trump repaid him the following year. Cohen's testimony is crucial to prosecutors' charges of Trump falsifying business records to hide reimbursements before the 2016 election. Cohen's prior federal charges and changing loyalty from Trump defender to chief antagonist are significant factors in the trial.

Coming soon to a Trump trial near you: Michael Cohen


The biggest news out of Trumps trial today wasnt anything said on the witness stand, but who will be on it next week The biggest news out of former president Donald Trumps trial today wasnt anything that was said on the witness stand, but who will be on it next week. Michael Cohen, Trumps former fixer and attorney, is expected to be called by the prosecution as soon as Monday. Cohen is at the center of the case: hes the man Trump repaid for buying the silence of the adult film star Stormy Daniels , an arrangement that Trump allegedly falsified business records to conceal. The biggest question is whether the jury will find him credible. Numerous witnesses made it clear during testimony just how bullying, aggressive and unlikable he could be in their interactions with him.

Stormy Daniels Testifies in Trump's New York Trial Over Gag Order Violations


Former adult film actress Stormy Daniels testified in former President Trump's New York trial regarding alleged falsifying of business records related to payments made to silence Daniels about an extramarital affair before the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts. The charges come from a Manhattan DA investigation, involving a $130,000 hush money payment by Trump's attorney Michael Cohen to Daniels. Trump, Cohen, and Daniels initially denied the arrangement when it was first revealed in January 2018.

Hundreds gather for Trump's criminal trial in Manhattan


Hundreds of people, including supporters and critics of Donald Trump, travel miles and wait hours to witness the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president in Manhattan. Trump has pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment to a porn star. Stormy Daniels' testimony during the trial revealed salacious details, prompting strong reactions in and outside the courtroom. Trump supporters filled a beach rally in New Jersey ahead of potentially damaging testimony from his former lawyer Michael Cohen, who is expected to give evidence against him in the trial.

Michael Cohen (lawyer) (Wikipedia)


Michael Dean Cohen (born August 25, 1966) is an American former lawyer who served as an attorney for former United States president Donald Trump from 2006 to 2018. Cohen served as vice president of the Trump Organization and personal counsel to Trump, often being described as his fixer. Cohen served as co-president of Trump Entertainment and was a board member of the Eric Trump Foundation, a children's health charity. From 2017 to 2018, Cohen was deputy finance chairman of the Republican National Committee.Trump employed Cohen until May 2018, a year after the special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections began. In August 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight counts including campaign-finance violations, tax fraud, and bank fraud. Cohen said he violated campaign-finance laws at Trump's direction "for the principal purpose of influencing" the 2016 presidential election. In November 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to U.S. congressional committees about efforts to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.In December 2018, Cohen was sentenced to three years in federal prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine. In February 2019, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, disbarred him from practicing law in the state. In May 2019, he reported to the federal prison near Otisville, New York. In November 2021, he completed his sentence.In early 2019, Cohen sued the Trump Organization for allegedly failing to reimburse his legal fees; in July 2023, the parties reached a settlement ahead of a planned trial. In early 2023, Trump sued Cohen for allegedly breaching his legal trust; in October 2023, Trump dropped the suit ahead of a planned deposition.

Prosecution of Donald Trump in New York (Wikipedia)


The People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump is a pending criminal case against Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States. On March 30, 2023, Trump was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury for his alleged role in a scandal relating to hush money payments made to the pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 U.S. presidential election, making him the first U.S. president to be indicted. Trump faces 34 felony charges of falsifying business records in the first degree, carrying a maximum sentence of 136 years if Trump is convicted on all counts.Trump traveled from his residence in Florida to New York City on April 3, 2023 where he surrendered to the Manhattan District Attorney's office on the afternoon of April 4. After his arraignment, he immediately returned to Florida. The trial was set for March 25, 2024.Throughout the investigation that led to the indictment, Trump accused district attorney Alvin Bragg—the case's prosecutor—of having political motivations. Months before he was indicted, Trump declared that he would run in the 2024 presidential election; neither the indictment nor any resulting conviction would disqualify his candidacy.

Donald Trump Faces Jail Threat for Gag Order Violations in Hush Money Trial


Jurors in Donald Trump's hush money trial learned the details of Michael Cohen's reimbursement for the Stormy Daniels payment, which was disguised as a legal expense. Trump now faces potential jail time for violating additional gag orders in the trial. Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen are expected to testify in the upcoming weeks, with prosecutors preparing to call them as witnesses. The trial includes revelations about how Trump Organization reimbursed payments to suppress damaging stories, presenting legal challenges for the former president.

Judge issues warning to Michael Cohen in Trump trial after TikTok videos disparaging former President


During the NY v. Trump trial, Judge Juan Merchan directed New York prosecutors to tell Michael Cohen to stop making comments about the case and imposed a gag order on former President Trump. Cohen is expected to testify against Trump, who is facing charges related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. Trump's legal team is appealing the gag order, while prosecutors have expressed concerns about Cohen's credibility due to his behavior on TikTok. Trump is barred from publicly responding to Cohen's claims.

Stormy Daniels–Donald Trump scandal (Wikipedia)


On January 12, 2018, The Wall Street Journal reported that in October 2016, just before the 2016 United States presidential election, Michael Cohen, lawyer for then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, arranged a payment of US$130,000 to pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels to stop her disclosing an affair she and Trump allegedly had in 2006. Daniels had signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). At first, Cohen denied Trump had the alleged affair and sought to suppress the allegation based on the NDA, but a month later publicly acknowledged making the payment.Besides allegations surrounding the details of the affair itself, the acknowledged payment raised legal and ethical questions as to whether the payment violated federal campaign finance laws, either because the payment was not duly disclosed as a campaign contribution or because campaign funds may have been used towards the payment. On February 13, Cohen said he paid the money out of his own pocket, not as a campaign contribution; and that neither The Trump Organization nor the Trump campaign reimbursed him for making it. On April 5, Trump said he had no knowledge of Cohen's payment; but on April 26 admitted for the first time that Cohen represented him in "the Stormy Daniels deal". On May 2, Trump's new lawyer Rudy Giuliani said that Trump had reimbursed Cohen for the payment.In August 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight criminal charges, including a campaign finance violation for Daniels's payment. He stated under oath that he paid her "in coordination with and at the direction of a candidate for federal office". Cohen was sentenced to three years in federal prison on various charges, and was disbarred.Daniels filed three lawsuits against Trump and/or Cohen. In the first lawsuit she argued that the NDA was invalid. She won the lawsuit, though it was dismissed after Trump and Cohen agreed not to enforce the NDA. A California court subsequently ordered Trump pay $44,100 to reimburse her legal fees. She lost the second lawsuit, in which she argued she was defamed, and was ordered to pay almost $300,000 in legal fees and court sanctions. In the third lawsuit she claimed that Cohen colluded with her previous attorney Keith Davidson against her interests when he negotiated the payment. The lawsuit did not name Trump as a defendant, and settled in May 2019.Trump's accounting firm, Mazars, provided his tax returns and related documents to the Manhattan District Attorney, Cyrus Vance Jr., following the outcome of the Supreme Court's Trump v. Vance ruling in February 2021. Although an internal report said there was "reason to believe" Trump's campaign had knowingly violated campaign finance law, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) abandoned an inquiry into the payment to Daniels. The FEC's vote on May 6, 2021, split 2–2 along party lines.On March 30, 2023, a Manhattan grand jury indicted Trump for his alleged role in the scandal. Trump was arraigned in the Manhattan district court on April 4.

George Conway Dumps On Key Trump Trial Tactic: 'A Huge Mistake'


Reporter, HuffPost Conservative attorney George Conway has questioned the strategy that has been adopted by Donald Trump and the ex-presidents legal team of relentlessly attempting to attack the credibility of former Trump attorney and fixer Michael Cohen ahead of Cohens testimony in Trumps hush money trial. They are making a huge mistake in going after Michael Cohen the way they have, Conway told MSNBC s Joy Reid on Friday. I mean, obviously, they feel the need to. It fills an emotional need for Donald Trump but it does not really help him. Cohen was sentenced to prison for his role in the hush money scheme that Trump is now standing trial for.

Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen's upcoming testimony and Steve Bannon's appeal of contempt conviction denied by federal appeals court


Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen is set to testify in a NY criminal case while former White House official Steve Bannon's appeal of his contempt conviction for ignoring a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the Jan 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol was denied by a federal appeals court. Bannon, sentenced to four months in prison and fined $6,500 in October 2022, will appeal the ruling. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld Bannon's conviction, stating that the 'advice of counsel' defense is not valid in this case.

Republican Sen. JD Vance comments on Ukraine aid, Biden administration's handling of Hamas hostages, Trump's trial, and anti-Israel protests on college campuses


Republican Sen. JD Vance criticizes the Biden administration for distracting from global crises with Trump's trial, as war continues in the Mideast and Ukraine. Trump's trial revolves around alleged falsification of business records, with his former attorney, Michael Cohen, expected to testify. Vance's comments come as anti-Israel protests occur on college campuses. Trump has pleaded not guilty in the case.

Investor Convicted of Insider Trading in Trump Media Stock Merger Case


Investor Bruce Garelick was convicted by a federal jury in New York for insider trading involving Digital World Acquisition Corp's merger with Trump Media. Garelick, a board member of Digital World Acquisition Corp, shared non-public merger information with others, leading to securities fraud and conspiracy charges. Trump Media, owned by former President Donald Trump, was not implicated. Garelick's co-defendants pleaded guilty earlier. The trial coincided with Trump's separate trial in Manhattan. Garelick is set to be sentenced in September.

Why Stormy Daniels’s testimony could fuel an appeal, and whether it matters


Some legal experts are surprised that the trial judge allowed the adult-film actress to testify about an alleged unwanted sexual event in a case centered on allegations of falsifying business records. NEW YORK Stormy Danielss testimony last week about an alleged unwanted sexual event in Donald Trumps criminal trial brought to mind the stories of other women who, on the witness stand in that same courthouse, have said they were raped or sexually assaulted. It was a striking development in a case about documents that Trump allegedly misclassified in an effort to hide evidence of a hush money payment..

Jury selection begins for corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez with potential implications on Senate control


Jury selection is commencing for the corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and two New Jersey businessmen in a bribery conspiracy case in Manhattan federal court. The trial may impact Menendez's reelection prospects and influence the Senate's party control. Menendez and his wife, as well as the businessmen, have pleaded not guilty to the charges that involve accepting bribes for political influence related to New Jersey and assisting Egypt's and Qatar's governments. The alleged crimes occurred between 2018 and 2023, and a fifth defendant has already pleaded guilty and is cooperating with prosecutors.

Indictments against Donald Trump (Wikipedia)


In 2023, four criminal indictments were filed against Donald Trump, the president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Two indictments are on state charges (one in New York and one in Georgia) and two indictments (as well as one superseding indictment) are on federal charges (one in Florida and one in the District of Columbia). These indictments amount to a total of 91 felony charges. The New York trial is scheduled to begin in March 2024 and the Florida trial is scheduled to begin in May 2024. The District of Columbia trial has been put on hold pending a ruling on whether Trump is immune from prosecution, and the Georgia trial has not yet been scheduled.Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. Neither the indictments nor any resulting convictions would disqualify his 2024 presidential candidacy; the Supreme Court will separately address his eligibility to be on the ballot. Felony disenfranchisement in Florida could bar Trump from voting in his home state.

Judge Fines Trump for Violating Gag Order in Trial


Judge Juan Merchan fined former US President Donald Trump $9,000 for violating a gag order by making nine social media posts attacking witnesses, jurors, and court staff in his ongoing criminal trial for falsifying business records. Merchan warned of potential jail time for further violations, emphasizing the importance of upholding the dignity of the justice system. The trial involves allegations of covering up hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, with key figures like Daniels, Trump's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen, and former advisor Hope Hicks expected to testify.

Bill Hwang trial over $36 billion Archegos collapse begins with opening statements


(Reuters) - The trial of Sung Kook "Bill" Hwang kicks off with opening statements in Manhattan federal court on Monday on charges stemming from the 2021 collapse of his $36 billion fund Archegos Capital Management. The case has been closely watched as a test of prosecutors' ambitious market manipulation theory, and because it is expected to shed light on the inner workings of Wall Street's dealings with profitable but risky clients. Testimony in the trial, which could last up to eight weeks, will center on the implosion of Hwang's lightly regulated family investment office Archegos, which prosecutors allege caused more than $100 billion in shareholder losses at companies in its portfolio. Prosecutors accuse Hwang of using financial contracts known as total return swaps to secretly amass outsize stakes in multiple companies without actually holding their stock. His positions were so large they eclipsed that of the companies' largest investors, driving up stock prices, prosecutors say.

Defense lawyer accuses Stormy Daniels of blowing "dog whistle for rape" in testimony against Trump


During the ongoing hush-money trial in Manhattan, Trump attorney Todd Blanche accused Stormy Daniels of insinuating rape when she testified that Trump did not use a condom during their alleged sexual encounter. Daniels described the encounter with Trump in anxious terms but has not explicitly accused him of rape. The defense lawyer argued that her graphic accusations prejudiced the jury, while the judge countered that the defense team is to blame for the situation.

Justice Alito Shows Empathy for Defendants in Recent Cases


Conservative Justice Samuel Alito, known for favoring prosecutors, has displayed empathy for defendants in recent cases involving gun owners, Jan 6 rioters, and former President Donald Trump. Alito, appointed by President George W. Bush in 2006, has challenged Justice Department's prosecution decisions and expressed sympathy for Trump's immunity plea. Despite his past reputation, Alito's recent actions suggest empathy for specific defendant categories. In a notable exchange, he questioned the trustworthiness of prosecutors in politically charged cases, referencing the ease of securing indictments, due to concerns raised about gun owners being charged. Rulings on these cases are expected by June.

Donald Trump Launches Vulgar Attacks at Rally in New Jersey


At a rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, former President Donald Trump insulted Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, calling them "fat Alvin" and "highly conflicted" respectively. He referred to his hush-money trial as a "Biden show trial" and criticized the Biden administration, claiming they rig elections. Trump predicted he would win New Jersey, a historically blue state. The rally featured personal attacks, coarse language, and vulgar expressions from Trump and his supporters.

Donald Trump Blames President Biden for Criminal Charges at Jersey Shore Rally


Donald Trump, in a rally at the Jersey Shore, blamed President Joe Biden for the criminal charges he is facing, calling them politically motivated and timed to harm his ability to campaign. Trump referred to Biden as a 'fool' and 'not a smart man', stating that 'the gloves are off' in their rivalry. The rally in the southern New Jersey town of Wildwood drew an estimated crowd of 80,000 to 100,000 attendees. High-level endorsers and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, a registered sex offender, joined Trump on stage.

Fareed Zakaria comments on politically motivated charges against Trump and growing unity in the Republican Party


Fareed Zakaria admitted on his show Sunday that the felony charges brought against former President Trump in New York over falsifying business records appear politically motivated, with the trial making him a more sympathetic figure to the public. Zakaria also highlighted the division within the Democratic Party and the unity in the Republican Party, pointing out a significant turnout at a Trump rally in New Jersey. Additionally, Zakaria criticized President Biden and the Democratic Party on the border crisis, suggesting Biden should learn from Trump's policies.

Competition heats up for Trump's running mate among vice presidential hopefuls


North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum praised Trump at a rally in New Jersey, with Trump reciprocating the praise and hinting at possible surprises. Trump indicated he won't announce his VP pick before the Republican National Convention. Other contenders like Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, Elise Stefanik, and Kristi Noem have also been active at Trump's events. Issues of accepting election results for 2024 have been raised by politicians on both sides. Biden criticized potential running mates for Trump, accusing them of supporting election lies and an extreme agenda. Trump's rally in New Jersey occurred amidst his hush money trial in Manhattan, where Stormy Daniels testified and Michael Cohen is expected to testify next.

Donald Trump Jr. (Wikipedia)


Donald John Trump Jr. (born December 31, 1977) is an American businessman, former television presenter, political activist, and author. He is the eldest child of former U.S. President Donald Trump and his first wife Ivana Trump.Trump serves as a trustee and executive vice president of The Trump Organization, running the company alongside his younger brother Eric. During their father's presidency, the brothers continued to do deals and investments in foreign countries, as well as collect payments in their U.S. properties from foreign governments, despite a pledge that they would not do so. He served as a boardroom judge on the reality TV show featuring his father, The Apprentice. He authored Triggered in 2019 and Liberal Privilege in 2020.Trump was active in his father's 2016 presidential campaign. He cooperated with Russia in their interference in the 2016 United States elections and had a meeting with a Russian lawyer who promised damaging information about the campaign of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Trump campaigned for several Republicans during the 2018 midterm elections. He has promoted several conspiracy theories.Trump was also active in his father's 2020 presidential campaign, often being on the campaign trail and being featured in the news for making unfounded claims. During the election he called for "total war" as the results were counted and promoted the stolen election conspiracy theory. Following his father's defeat, he engaged in attempts to overturn the results. He spoke at the rally that led to the storming of the Capitol, where he threatened Trump's opponents that "we're coming for you." In January 2021, Attorney General for the District of Columbia Karl Racine said that he is looking at whether to charge Donald Trump Jr. with inciting the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol in the criminal investigation into the attack. CNN reported in April 2022 that two days after the election, Trump Jr. sent a text message to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows outlining paths to subvert the Electoral College process and ensure his father a second term.

Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign (Wikipedia)


Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, announced his campaign for a non-consecutive second presidential term in the 2024 U.S. presidential election on November 15, 2022.Trump has campaigned on vastly expanding the authority of the federal government, particularly the executive branch, which calls for a reimposition of the Jacksonian spoils system, immediately invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807 to deploy the military onto American streets, and directing the Department of Justice to go after domestic political enemies. Other campaign issues include: implementing anti-immigrant policies and a massive deportation operation; pursuing an isolationist "America First" foreign policy agenda; repealing the Affordable Care Act; pursuing a climate change denial and anti-clean energy platform; terminating the Department of Education; implementing anti-LGBT policies; and pursuing what has been described as a neomercantilist trade agenda. Trump has been leaning into violent and authoritarian rhetoric throughout the campaign. Trump has increasingly used dehumanizing and violent rhetoric against his political enemies. His 2024 campaign has been noted for leaning into nativist and anti-LGBT rhetoric.The campaign is unfolding as Trump faces the legal aftermath of four criminal indictments filed against him in 2023, as well as a civil investigation of the Trump Organization in New York. The campaign has continued to promote false claims that the former 2020 election was stolen, and comes in the wake of Trump's unprecedented attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election and its culmination in the January 6 United States Capitol attack, which has been widely described as an attempted coup d'état or self-coup.National primary polling shows Trump leading by 50 points over other candidates. After he won a landslide victory in the 2024 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses, Trump was generally described as being the Republican Party's presumptive nominee for president, with a process of consolidation now underway.

Donald Trump (Wikipedia)


Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Trump received a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, and his father named him president of his real estate business in 1971. Trump renamed it the Trump Organization and reoriented the company toward building and renovating skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. After a series of business failures in the late twentieth century, he successfully launched side ventures that required little capital, mostly by licensing the Trump name. From 2004 to 2015, he co-produced and hosted the reality television series The Apprentice. He and his businesses have been plaintiff or defendant in more than 4,000 state and federal legal actions, including six business bankruptcies.Trump won the 2016 presidential election as the Republican Party nominee against Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton while losing the popular vote. During the campaign, his political positions were described as populist, protectionist, isolationist, and nationalist. His election and policies sparked numerous protests. He was the first U.S. president with no prior military or government experience. A special counsel investigation established that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election to favor Trump's campaign. Trump promoted conspiracy theories and made many false and misleading statements during his campaigns and presidency, to a degree unprecedented in American politics. Many of his comments and actions have been characterized as racially charged or racist and many as misogynistic.As president, Trump ordered a travel ban on citizens from several Muslim-majority countries, diverted military funding toward building a wall on the U.S.–Mexico border, and implemented a policy of family separations for migrants detained at the U.S. border. He weakened environmental protections, rolling back more than 100 environmental policies and regulations. He signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which cut taxes for individuals and businesses and rescinded the individual health insurance mandate penalty of the Affordable Care Act. He appointed Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. He reacted slowly to the COVID-19 pandemic, ignored or contradicted many recommendations from health officials, used political pressure to interfere with testing efforts, and spread misinformation about unproven treatments. Trump initiated a trade war with China and withdrew the U.S. from the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Iran nuclear deal. He met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times but made no progress on denuclearization.Trump refused to concede after losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, falsely claiming widespread electoral fraud, and attempted to overturn the results by pressuring government officials, mounting scores of unsuccessful legal challenges, and obstructing the presidential transition. On January 6, 2021, he urged his supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol, which many of them then attacked, resulting in multiple deaths and interrupting the electoral vote count.Trump is the only American president to have been impeached twice. After he tried to pressure Ukraine in 2019 to investigate Biden, he was impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress; he was acquitted by the Senate in February 2020. The House impeached him again in January 2021, for incitement of insurrection, and the Senate acquitted him in February. Scholars and historians rank Trump as one of the worst presidents in American history.Since leaving office, Trump has continued to dominate the Republican Party and is a candidate in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries. In 2023, a civil trial jury found that Trump sexually abused E. Jean Carroll. In 2024, a New York state court found Trump liable for financial fraud. Trump is appealing both judgments. He was also indicted in New York on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, in Florida on 40 felony counts related to his mishandling of classified documents, in Washington, D.C., on four felony counts of conspiracy and obstruction for efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, and in Georgia on 13 charges of racketeering and other alleged felonies committed in an effort to overturn the state's 2020 election results. Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Trump family members as GOP delegates show ex-president's control over party state apparatus


Barron Trump's role as a Florida delegate to the Republican National Convention was symbolic due to the certainty of Donald Trump's nomination. Despite stepping down, other family members like Don Jr, Eric, Tiffany, Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Lara Trump's appointment as co-chair highlight Trump's grip on the national GOP. The choice of delegates for the convention in Milwaukee reaffirms Trump's control, particularly in Florida. Analysts note Trump's takeover of state parties nationwide, with Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, previously seen as a threat, now aligned with Trump. This signifies Trump's influence on the party's structure.

Manhattan Prosecutors Seek Direct Evidence of Trump\'s Guilt from Michael Cohen in Criminal Trial Manhattan Prosecutors Seek Direct Evidence of Trump\'s Guilt from Michael Cohen in Criminal Trial Manhattan Prosecutors Seek Direct Evidence of Trump\'s Guilt from Michael Cohen in Criminal Trial Manhattan Prosecutors Seek Direct Evidence of Trump\'s Guilt from Michael Cohen in Criminal Trial Manhattan Prosecutors Seek Direct Evidence of Trump\'s Guilt from Michael Cohen in Criminal Trial Manhattan Prosecutors Seek Direct Evidence of Trump\'s Guilt from Michael Cohen in Criminal Trial

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The 5 biggest bombshells of Trump's hush-money trial so far

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Daily Mail

Why Michael Cohen could make or break the case against Donald Trump

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Michael Cohen: A Challenging Star Witness In Donald Trump's Hush Money Trial

The Huffington Post

AP News

Trump trial arrives at a pivotal moment: Star witness Michael Cohen is poised to take the stand

https://apnews.com/author/eric-tucker

CNN

Analysis: Trump’s former ‘thug’ Michael Cohen set for trial-defining testimony in hush money case | CNN Politics

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Trump’s former fixer Michael Cohen expected to testify in hush-money trial

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Aggrieved former lawyer Michael Cohen to testify against Trump at hush money trial

Yahoo! News

Yahoo! News

NEWSMAKER-Michael Cohen, key witness in Trump trial, went from loyal fixer to archnemesis

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NPR

Michael Cohen, Trump's former fixer, will testify against him in the hush-money trial

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NPR

Prosecutors need Michael Cohen to tie details together in Trump's hush money trial

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Fox News

Michael Cohen expected to take the stand as NY v. Trump trial resumes

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NY v. Trump trial resumes with 'star witness' Michael Cohen expected to take the stand

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Al Jazeera

Star witness Cohen to testify against Trump in hush money trial

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Key witness Michael Cohen to take the stand against Donald Trump

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Live updates: Key witness Michael Cohen, Trump's former fixer, to testify in hush money trial

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Michael Cohen set to take the stand as star witness in Trump's hush money trial

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PANORA

Former President Trump expresses frustration with his criminal trial outside the courtroom

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Former President Trump's Trial Continues with Cross-Examination of Stormy Daniels

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Michael Cohen to Testify in Trump's Hush Money Trial

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Michael Cohen's Role in the New York v. Trump Case and Controversy Surrounding His Credibility

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Key Witness Michael Cohen Expected to Testify in Trump Hush Money Trial

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Coming soon to a Trump trial near you: Michael Cohen

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Stormy Daniels Testifies in Trump's New York Trial Over Gag Order Violations

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Hundreds gather for Trump's criminal trial in Manhattan

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Michael Cohen (lawyer)

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Prosecution of Donald Trump in New York

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PANORA

Donald Trump Faces Jail Threat for Gag Order Violations in Hush Money Trial

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Judge issues warning to Michael Cohen in Trump trial after TikTok videos disparaging former President

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Wikipedia

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George Conway Dumps On Key Trump Trial Tactic: 'A Huge Mistake'

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Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen's upcoming testimony and Steve Bannon's appeal of contempt conviction denied by federal appeals court

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Republican Sen. JD Vance comments on Ukraine aid, Biden administration's handling of Hamas hostages, Trump's trial, and anti-Israel protests on college campuses

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Investor Convicted of Insider Trading in Trump Media Stock Merger Case

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Wikipedia

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Judge Fines Trump for Violating Gag Order in Trial

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Bill Hwang trial over $36 billion Archegos collapse begins with opening statements

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Defense lawyer accuses Stormy Daniels of blowing \"dog whistle for rape\" in testimony against Trump

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Justice Alito Shows Empathy for Defendants in Recent Cases

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Donald Trump Launches Vulgar Attacks at Rally in New Jersey

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Donald Trump Blames President Biden for Criminal Charges at Jersey Shore Rally

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Fareed Zakaria comments on politically motivated charges against Trump and growing unity in the Republican Party

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Competition heats up for Trump's running mate among vice presidential hopefuls

PANORA

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Donald Trump Jr.

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Donald Trump 2024 presidential campaign

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Donald Trump

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PANORA

Trump family members as GOP delegates show ex-president's control over party state apparatus

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