Cohen to testify again as trial for Trump’s legal expenses approaches conclusion

Donald Trump’s legal expense trial is reaching its final phase, as prosecutors’ key witness returns to the stand for further questioning before Trump’s defense team has the opportunity to present their case.

The trial in Manhattan will resume with the defense cross-examination of former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who last week provided crucial testimony linking Trump to the alleged crime of mischaracterizing a business payment as a legal expense rather than a campaign contribution.

Cohen is the final witness for the prosecution, and it remains uncertain whether Trump’s lawyers will call any witnesses, including Trump himself.

Defense attorneys have focused on questioning Cohen about his criminal past and past falsehoods to portray him as someone seeking revenge against Trump, rather than a credible witness.

After more than four weeks of testimony on various topics related to Trump’s business dealings and personal life, the jury could begin deliberations this week to determine whether Trump is guilty of 34 felony counts involving falsifying business records, marking the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president.

The charges stem from internal records of the Trump Organization indicating payments to Cohen as legal expenses, which prosecutors claim were actually reimbursements for a payment made to Stormy Daniels.

Trump has pleaded not guilty, with his defense arguing that there was nothing illegal about the payments to Cohen or the handling of the Daniels payment.

Following Cohen’s testimony, the prosecution is expected to conclude its case, with the possibility of calling rebuttal witnesses if the defense presents its own witnesses.

The judge has indicated that closing arguments could take place as early as Tuesday, depending on whether the defense decides to call witnesses, including Trump.

Defense attorneys are typically cautious about putting their clients on the witness stand, as it can expose them to intense questioning that may not be beneficial to their case.

Cohen, while a significant witness for the prosecution, is also vulnerable to attacks on his credibility.

Having admitted to lying under oath and engaging in criminal behavior, Cohen’s credibility has been called into question by the defense. Despite this, Cohen’s testimony plays a crucial role in connecting Trump to the alleged illegal activities.

Trump’s lawyers may consider calling an expert witness, Bradley A. Smith, to challenge the prosecution’s argument that the payments to Cohen constituted campaign-finance violations. However, the scope of Smith’s testimony is limited by the judge’s ruling.

Expert testimony in legal matters is restricted to providing general background and definitions, rather than interpreting how specific laws apply to a particular case.

As the trial nears its conclusion, the focus remains on the testimony of key witnesses and the arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense teams.