Judge Allows Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels to Testify at Trump’s New York Criminal Trial
In a significant ruling on Monday, Judge Juan Merchan permitted Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels to testify at the upcoming New York criminal trial of former President Donald Trump. The trial, which could commence next month, is centered around charges of falsifying business records against Trump.
District Attorney’s Case Against Trump
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office accuses Trump of concealing the reimbursement of hush money payments made by Cohen to Daniels prior to the 2016 elections. The former president has pleaded not guilty and denies any involvement in an affair with Daniels.
Attempts to Block Cohen’s Testimony
Trump’s lawyers tried to prevent Cohen from testifying, citing his past instances of perjury. However, Merchan dismissed this argument, stating that Cohen had not been charged with perjury for his recent testimony.
Cohen’s Credibility
“Defendant provides examples of situations where Cohen’s credibility has been called into question,” Merchan wrote in his decision. “However, he offers no proof of perjury in the case at bar.” The judge further noted that he found no grounds to support Trump’s reasoning that a prosecution witness should be kept off the stand due to their previously questioned credibility.
Denial of Attempts to Block Daniels’ Testimony
Trump’s legal team also sought to prevent Daniels from testifying about the hush money payment she received in 2016. However, Merchan ruled that her testimony would be crucial to understanding the events leading to the falsification of business records.
Karen McDougal’s Testimony
The judge also allowed testimony from former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who has alleged an affair with Trump. The trial will have some limitations on her testimony.
New Evidence and Upcoming Hearing
Merchan did not address Trump’s complaint about a new documentary featuring Daniels, which was released one week before jury selection was scheduled to begin. Trump’s team argues that the documentary’s release should result in either dismissing or delaying the trial due to potentially prejudicial statements, including alleged threats of violence. The New York trial, initially scheduled for March 25, has been delayed after new evidence was presented by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Future Developments
Judge Merchan has scheduled a hearing on March 25 to discuss the circumstances surrounding this new evidence and Trump’s motion for dismissal or delay. A new trial date will be established after this hearing.
