Trump Scores a Big Win in Court as Michael Cohen’s Testimony Wavers

In a significant development in Donald Trump’s first criminal trial, Michael Cohen’s credibility was called into question.

Cohen, a former ally turned adversary, faced intense cross-examination by Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche.

The focus was on Cohen’s previous statements regarding a call about Trump’s hush money payment to Stormy Daniels.

Under scrutiny, Michael Cohen admitted that the call initially concerned a different matter, casting doubt on his earlier testimony.

Inconsistencies Emerge in Michael Cohen’s Testimony

During cross-examination, Blanche highlighted inconsistencies in Michael Cohen’s account.

Cohen had previously testified that a call with Trump’s bodyguard, Keith Schiller, on October 24, 2016, was to discuss the Stormy Daniels payment.

However, Blanche produced a text message from Cohen to Schiller before the call, mentioning only a prank call from a teenager, not Daniels.

Blanche asserted that the brief 96-second call could not have covered both topics, challenging Cohen’s truthfulness.

Impact on the Prosecution’s Case

This revelation poses a challenge for the prosecution, which relies heavily on Michael Cohen’s testimony.

Legal experts noted that the inconsistencies might sow reasonable doubt among jurors about Cohen’s reliability.

NYU Law professor Ryan Goodman remarked that if the trial ended immediately, Cohen’s credibility issues could hinder a conviction.

The prosecution now faces the task of rehabilitating Cohen’s testimony during redirect examination.

Trump Reacts Positively

Trump left the courtroom buoyed by the day’s proceedings. Supported by GOP lawmakers, including Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, Trump described the day as “fascinating” and reiterated his stance that the trial was a “scam.”

This optimistic outlook contrasts with the generally difficult month Trump has faced in court.

Prosecution’s Strategy Moving Forward

The prosecution will have the opportunity to address the inconsistencies in Cohen’s testimony when the court reconvenes.

Despite the defense’s effective cross-examination, legal analysts point out that this is just one aspect of the broader case.

Norm Eisen, a legal analyst, emphasized that while the cross-examination was a blow, it was not necessarily a knockout punch for the prosecution.

Challenges of Using Michael Cohen as a Witness

The prosecution was aware of the risks associated with relying on Cohen, a convicted felon with a history of lying.

His credibility was always going to be a focal point for the defense. Criminal defense attorney Nikki Lotze noted that the defense’s strategy of making the trial a referendum on Cohen’s honesty could be effective, as it only takes one doubtful juror to prevent a unanimous conviction.

What Lies Ahead

As the trial progresses, the defense will continue to highlight Cohen’s past dishonesty and personal stake in the case’s outcome.

The prosecution, on the other hand, will aim to mitigate the damage and reinforce the broader evidence supporting their case.

The jury is expected to begin deliberations soon, potentially around Memorial Day, with the trial’s conclusion set to coincide with the run-up to the 2024 presidential election.

Thursday’s proceedings marked a pivotal moment in Trump’s trial, with Cohen’s testimony under intense scrutiny.

The defense’s ability to cast doubt on Cohen’s credibility may influence the jury’s final decision, underscoring the high stakes for both sides in this landmark case.

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