The prosecution, led by Joshua Steinglass, rested its case in the criminal trial against former President Donald Trump on Monday (May 20). The case revolves around payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, which prosecutors argue were illegal hush money. The defense, led by Todd Blanche, has sought to undermine the credibility of the prosecution's key witness, Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal lawyer.

Cohen, who made the $130,000 payment to Daniels, testified that Trump approved the plan to reimburse him, knowing that the reimbursements would be classified as ordinary legal expenses. The Manhattan District Attorney's office has charged Trump with 34 felonies, arguing that this was a crime: the falsification of business records. Trump denies having had sex with Daniels and any wrongdoing related to the charges.

During cross-examination, Blanche pressed Cohen on his past lies and other misdeeds, including overcharging the Trump Organization, which Cohen admitted to. Cohen also acknowledged on the stand that he kept more than half the $50,000 that was to go to the tech company RedFinch and admitted to stealing from the Trump Organization.

Despite the defense's attempts to discredit him, Cohen maintained that Trump was aware of and approved the hush money payment to Daniels. He testified that he has 'no doubt' he had a conversation with Trump in which Trump directed him to work out with Allen Weisselberg, then the chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, how to pay Daniels hush money.

The defense is expected to call its own witnesses next, potentially including Trump himself. Closing arguments are likely to begin after the Memorial Day holiday.

Gary and Shannon

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