Trump lawyers vie to discredit key witness Cohen at trial
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Donald Trump (AFP FILE PHOTO)
Will Trump testify?
Blanche appeared to be trying to crystallize his tactics Thursday after a meandering start this week, when yawns betrayed some jurors’ fatigue. He has striven to ruffle Cohen, who has a reputation for a temper that could hurt him on the stand. But Trump’s fixer-turned-foe has stayed largely composed and on topic. As Blanche tried to catch Cohen in a lie regarding a call to Trump’s bodyguard, Blanche worked to crank the drama, the pitch of his voice rising. “That was a lie,” Blanche said. “Admit it.” “No sir,” Cohen replied. “I can’t.” Prosecutors have indicated Cohen, 57, is their last witness in the case. His story has generally lined up with both Daniels, and David Pecker, the tabloid boss who said he worked with Trump and Cohen to suppress negative coverage during his 2016 White House run. Trump, who appeared alert Thursday after spending some time over recent days with his eyes closed, denies he ever had sex with Daniels. After the prosecution rests, the defense can present a case, but Trump’s lawyers have remained vague on whether their client will testify. The businessman famously considers himself his own best champion — but legal analysts believe he could be a liability on the stand. The defense has indicated they wish to call one expert witness to explain campaign finance statutes. But the prosecution has voiced opposition, saying that only the judge should explain how the law applies. When the jury begins deliberating, the oft-salacious testimony will likely linger front-of-mind, but they’ll also have stacks of documents to pore over. The charges hinge on financial records, and whether falsifying them was done with the intent to sway the 2016 presidential vote. Prosecutors this week walked Cohen and the jury through the issue of 11 checks — most signed by Trump — in return for invoices Cohen said were falsified to cover up the reimbursement, with Trump’s knowledge. They have said their redirect of Cohen will last approximately an hour when the defense finishes with him, which is expected by Monday midday. Unless Trump opts to testify, closing arguments could come as soon as Tuesday.
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