Media reports or court disclosures

Cohen Testifies Against Trump Over Hush Money, Secret Recordings in 2016 Campaign

May 13, 2024, 05:00 PM

During a high-profile trial, Michael Cohen, the former lawyer of Donald Trump, testified against the ex-president, implicating him in a hush money scheme aimed at suppressing stories detrimental to his 2016 presidential campaign. Cohen recounted how Trump reacted angrily upon learning that Stormy Daniels was planning to go public with allegations of a sexual encounter with him. He quoted Trump as saying the situation was a 'total disaster' that could damage his campaign image, particularly among women, while possibly boosting his image among men. Trump also remarked, 'Just take care of it,' indicating his desire to suppress the story. Cohen also revealed that he had made payments at Trump's behest to quash unfavorable stories, including purchasing Karen McDougal's story, and he had secretly recorded conversations with Trump in the lead-up to the 2016 election.