Michael Cohen’s testimony exposes his reputation as an untrustworthy individual

On Tuesday, the prosecution surprised many by suddenly announcing that it would rest its case against former president Donald Trump after Michael Cohen’s testimony was completed (source).

It was surprising because the prosecution never clearly stated the crime it was trying to prove, the elements of that crime, or the reasons why payments related to Stormy Daniels were not properly recorded as legal expenses.

The only thing the prosecutors succeeded in proving was that Michael Cohen is a known liar who has lied under oath on multiple occasions.

Cohen claimed he used to lie for Trump, but his history of lying to Congress, courts, special counsels, the IRS, and banks proves otherwise.

Despite his past convictions not being tied to Trump, Cohen’s recent testimony was based on his own self-interest.

His admission of lying in a prior plea agreement was not to help Trump, whom he had already distanced himself from, but to advance his own agenda.

There are indications that Cohen is still lying, as seen in his unethical decision to secretly record a conversation with Trump without Trump’s knowledge.

Cohen’s actions have consistently been in his own self-interest, despite his claims of cooperating with prosecutors to hold Trump accountable.

His relentless pursuit of personal gain through media appearances, books, merchandise, and a proposed reality show reveal his true motivations.

It became clear during cross-examination that Cohen is a self-serving individual, focused on saving himself at any cost.

The prosecutors failed to establish Trump’s responsibility or knowledge of the payments and did not address the fraudulent nature of denoting them as “legal expenses.”

Despite glaring legal inconsistencies, the prosecution in New York seems determined to pursue this case against Trump.

Michael Cohen, their star witness, has found a supportive environment that values his manipulative skills.

Jonathan Turley is an attorney and professor at George Washington University Law School.