The Role of Michael Cohen’s Testimony in the Trump Prosecution

No one seriously believes that the prosecution’s case against Donald Trump solely depends on Michael Cohen’s testimony. The legal system relies on thorough evidence, and in this case, the vast majority of evidence passes through Michael Cohen to Trump. Therefore, Trump's defense is already precarious, and the outcome is almost certain.

Why the Prosecutor Would Not Pursue a Solely Cohen-Dependent Case

Former prosecutors understand the necessity of a well-rounded case for success in court. Had the trial relied solely on Michael Cohen's testimony, it would not have proceeded. That being said, while Cohen's testimony is critical, it is not the crux of the prosecution's case against Trump.

Supporting Evidence from Other Witnesses

The testimony of other witnesses, particularly those who support Trump, like David Pecker and Hope Hicks, corroborates Cohen's statements. David Pecker openly admitted to paying off Karen McDougall to save Trump’s election bid, while Hicks confirmed Cohen’s claims about the Stormy Daniels payment. These testimonies strongly suggest that the payments were not legal fees, as Trump contends, but reimbursements for unlawful activities.

Moreover, evidence surfaced showing that Cohen paid a company $20,000 to rig a poll for Trump and later received $50,000 from the Trump Organization to cover the expenses.

Focus on Fraud and Criminal Election Law Violations

The trial's primary focus is on fraud and criminal election law violations, not on hush money. The defense strategy must address these core issues to build a strong case for Trump's innocence. The question is not about the hush money but about proper record-keeping and adherence to laws.

Michael Cohen as a Convicted Witness

Michael Cohen is the only witness to implicate Trump in criminal activity, but it is essential to consider his credibility. As a convicted liar, his credibility is greatly diminished. The prosecution highlights his past deception to emphasize that he was indeed engaged in illegal activities in service to Trump. Cohen's sentence should apply to the person responsible for the illegal acts themselves, reinforcing the idea that Trump is the one to blame.

It is clear that the legal system has sufficient evidence to convicted Trump on these charges, making his defense challenging and his future uncertain. The details and testimonies paint a comprehensive picture of illegal actions taken by Trump and his associates, and the outcome of the trial will be closely watched by many around the world.