In a dramatic turn of events, jurors in the hush money trial of former President Donald Trump were presented with a recording on Thursday that captured a conversation between Trump and his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen. The recording revealed a plan to purchase the silence of Playboy model Karen McDougal, who claimed to have had an affair with Trump. The trial, taking place in Manhattan, has been closely watched as it delves into allegations of interference in the 2016 election.
The recording, made by Cohen in September 2016, was played in court, captivating both Trump and the jurors. It is considered a significant piece of evidence connecting Trump to the hush money payments at the center of the trial. The recording surfaced years ago but has now taken center stage in the courtroom.
Prior to the recording, attorney Keith Davidson, who negotiated the deal for McDougal’s silence, testified that he was stunned to learn that his efforts may have contributed to Trump’s victory in the presidential race. In a text message to Dylan Howard, the then-editor of the National Enquirer, Davidson expressed his shock, saying, “What have we done?” Howard responded with equal surprise, acknowledging that their activities may have assisted Trump’s campaign.
Davidson’s testimony aimed to establish a direct link between the hush money payments and Trump’s presidential ambitions. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has sought to emphasize this connection to not only secure a conviction but also to highlight the significance of the case to the public.
The trial has also featured Cohen, the star prosecution witness, who paid adult film actor Stormy Daniels $130,000 for her silence. Cohen recorded himself discussing a plan to purchase McDougal’s story with Trump, just weeks before the election. In the recording, Cohen mentioned discussing the funding with Allen Weisselberg, then-Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer.
During the trial, Trump’s lawyers attempted to distance him from the negotiations, highlighting that Cohen handled the hush money matters independently. They also questioned Davidson about his involvement in similar payments unrelated to presidential politics, including one involving wrestler Hulk Hogan.
The jurors were also shown a confidential agreement between Trump and Daniels, dated shortly before the 2016 election, which required her silence regarding their alleged tryst. Cohen paid Daniels $130,000, and the agreement referred to both Trump and Daniels using pseudonyms.
Davidson’s testimony further revealed Cohen’s frustration with Trump after the election. Cohen complained to Davidson about being passed over for a job in the new administration and Trump’s failure to reimburse him for the Daniels payment. Cohen also expressed anger when The Wall Street Journal published an article exposing a separate $150,000 National Enquirer arrangement with McDougal.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied any relationships with McDougal or Daniels, as well as any wrongdoing in the case. Prosecutors have requested additional fines for Trump’s comments that violated a judge’s gag order.
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“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t goin’ away.” – Elvis Presley
This quote resonates with the post because it highlights the importance of truth and how it cannot be hidden forever. The recording presented in the trial reveals a conversation between Trump and Cohen, shedding light on a potentially significant aspect of the case. Just like the sun, the truth has a way of eventually coming to the surface, no matter how hard someone may
For readers who are interested in following the developments of the hush money trial involving former President Donald Trump and his lawyer Michael Cohen, I would recommend checking out reputable news sources for the latest updates. Some reliable sources that provide comprehensive coverage of this trial include The New York Times, CNN, and The Washington Post. These news outlets often provide in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and transcripts of key recordings and testimonies, allowing readers to stay informed about the trial’s progress. Additionally, legal analysis websites such