Court ruling or official legal announcement

Michael Cohen Testifies in Trump Hush Money Trial, Confirms Payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal

May 14, 2024, 04:30 PM

Michael Cohen, former lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, testified in the hush money trial against Trump. Cohen stated that he paid $130,000 to Stormy Daniels and also made payments to Karen McDougal to prevent the stories from affecting Trump's chances of becoming president. Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger confirmed that Cohen made the payments at Trump's direction. During the testimony, Trump's lawyers appeared tense, while Trump himself seemed unbothered. Prosecutors presented key evidence, including financial documents, emails, and invoices showing how Cohen was reimbursed. Cohen also mentioned that he agreed to testify despite the Manhattan district attorney's office being unable to reduce his sentence. The trial has seen a strong showing of support for Trump from his Republican allies, including House Speaker Johnson.