Trump hush money trial: Michael Cohen says he stole thousands from company
On his final day of testimony, Michael Cohen, former lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, admitted to embezzling thousands of dollars from the Trump Organization.
His admission occurred during cross-examination by Trump’s lead defence attorney, Todd Blanche. When directly questioned if he had stolen from the company, Cohen said, “Yes, sir.”
When asked why he had taken $30,000 in 2017, Cohen said he had been angry that his bonus that year had been reduced.
The trial, notable for being the first criminal case against a former U.S. president, is approaching its conclusion, with closing statements anticipated next week.
Donald Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, pertaining to allegations of misclassifying reimbursements to Cohen for a hush-money payment to an adult film star as legal expenses. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.