Did Michael Cohen Perjure Himself During Trump's Trial?

Jonathan Turley, a legal scholar, has written an expanded version of his column in the New York Post, which discusses the first day of Michael Cohen's cross-examination. Cohen, who has another day of cross-examination ahead of him, is under scrutiny after the government rested following his questioning. Turley suggests that an unbiased judge would have no choice but to grant a motion for a directed verdict and end the case before it goes to the jury. The decision now lies with Judge Juan Merchan. The trial, which failed to establish the falsity of recording payments as legal expenses, appeared to be a political exercise, with Michael Cohen as the final proof. Critics have pointed out that some of Cohen's answers seem false or misleading. Cohen, they argue, has found a comfortable place in the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

The Prosecution's Case Against Donald Trump

In a surprising move on Tuesday, the prosecution announced that it would rest its case against former president Donald Trump after Michael Cohen's testimony. This announcement was unexpected because the prosecution never clearly defined the crime it was attempting to prove, the elements of that crime, or why payments related to Stormy Daniels were not properly recorded as legal expenses. The prosecution, it seems, only managed to prove that Michael Cohen is a liar.

Cohen's History of Lying

Over the past two days, Cohen insisted that he used to lie to help former President Donald Trump. However, this claim is seen as just another lie told by Cohen under oath. Cohen's history of lying extends to Congress, courts, special counsels, the IRS, banks, and virtually every living creature. His previous conviction for business and tax fraud was not in Trump's interests, but his own. When he admitted on the stand that he lied during his prior plea agreement, it wasn't to assist Trump, whom he had already denounced. It was to advance his own interests. There are strong indications that Cohen is still lying.

Unethical Decisions and Self-Interest

Cohen's testimony revealed his unethical decision to secretly record a telephone call with Trump on Sept. 6, 2016. This act, seen as a betrayal that most lawyers would not contemplate, let alone carry out, was justified by Cohen as a means to ensure the loyalty of David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, to Mr. Trump. However, this claim is not widely believed and doesn't make sense given that Pecker was already in discussions with Trump about the payments and had even met with him at the White House. The obvious motive for Cohen's secret recording was to gather material to use against Trump if needed. Cohen's testimony showed that he consistently acted in his sole interest.

Cohen's Media Appearances and Merchandise

Cohen portrayed his cooperation with prosecutors as a type of Road to Damascus, but jurors learned that all roads lead back to Cohen and his bank accounts. Despite being told by prosecutors to stop doing public interviews, Cohen continued to make television appearances and record podcast episodes. He admitted to making millions from books and merchandise, including a shirt with a photo of Trump in a jumpsuit behind bars and a coffee mug with the phrase "send him to the big house, not the White House." He is also promoting a reality show called "The Fixer," promising viewers, "I am your fixer."

Prosecutors' Reliance on Cohen

After just a few hours of cross-examination, it was clear that Cohen is still the same self-serving individual. Yet, he continued to reshape reality in his own image. When asked about his TikTok antics, he explained them as a type of sleep deprivation therapy. No rational prosecutor would rely on Cohen, let alone make him the entirety of their case. The prosecutors did not even attempt to show that Trump was responsible for or knew about how the payments were recorded on ledgers and business records. They also disregarded the need to show why denoting these payments as "legal expenses" was fraudulent — or what the correct description might be. Those details might be demanded in any other courtroom, but this is New York, and the defendant is Donald Trump.

As we reflect on this case, it's clear that it raises many questions about the legal process, the role of key witnesses, and the motivations of those involved. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you believe Michael Cohen committed perjury during the Trump trial? We encourage you to share this article with your friends and engage in a thoughtful discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.