Washington, US
As the hush money trial progressed into its fifth week, Trump's former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, continued his testimony on Tuesday (May 14) where he alleged Trump's involvement in falsifying company documents related to a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election. He was cross-examined by the defence in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's case against Trump where he revealed new details in his testimony.
Here are the key takeaways from Trump's hush money trial day 17:
-- Notable Republican figures, in a vivid display of unity, gathered in solidarity around former US President Donald Trump on Day 17 of his hush money trial at the New York courtroom.
Among those who were present were Speaker of the US House Mike Johnson, Florida Representatives Cory Mills and Byron Donalds, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, as well as GOP leader Vivek Ramaswamy.
Also Read | Who is Mohamed Amra, escaped drug dealer from French prison van attack?
Dressed uniformly in dark blue suits and scarlet ties, the attires were reminiscent of Trump's signature style as the Republicans gathered to back Trump. Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett quipped, “Did they call each other in the morning to coordinate the fits?”
Also Read | Zelensky cancels Friday visit to Spain; Ukraine withdraws troops in Kharkiv
-- Cohen's testimony marked a pivotal moment in Bragg's case against Trump. On Tuesday (May 14), Cohen detailed an Oval Office meeting in 2017 where Trump purportedly discussed a reimbursement plan to him for the hush money payment Cohen made to Daniels.
Watch | Russia's Putin to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing. What's on the agenda?
-- During his testimony, Cohen revealed crafting deceptive statements to protect Trump. He admitted his dishonesty and regret over his actions. He said that neither the Trump Organization nor the campaign played any role in the transaction and “it was Mr Donald J Trump himself."
-- Under cross-examination, Trump's defence team sought to undermine Cohen's credibility. Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche asked "if he wanted to see Trump found guilty," to which Cohen responded by saying, “I would like to see accountability. It’s not for me. It’s for the jury and this court.” When further pressed, Cohen replied saying "Sure". The defence also presented jurors with images of Trump-themed merchandise available for purchase on Cohen's website, featuring shirts depicting the former president behind bars.
(With inputs from agencies)