Donald Trump has arrived in a Manhattan courthouse where his former attorney, Michael Cohen, is expected to testify in the civil fraud trial. We’ll be following the proceedings live and providing updates throughout the day.
No word if Michael Cohen’s brother from Sicily will suddenly take a seat in the back row just before his testimony.
Buckle up!
Court is adjourned for the day. More testimony expected tomorrow. See this article for a recap of today’s hot testimony: Michael Cohen testifies Trump inflated asset values for 'whatever number' he wanted.
After a question about whether he still has his law license, Cohen replies: "Asked and answered."Trial ends for the day after it's noted that it's not his objection to make. Testy cross-ex will resume on Wednesday.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
After a question about whether he still has his law license, Cohen replies: "Asked and answered."Trial ends for the day after it's noted that it's not his objection to make. Testy cross-ex will resume on Wednesday.
Cohen keeps objecting to Habba's questions, which he's not allowed to do, as he's the witness.Kise: "Your honor, this witness is completely out of control."— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Cohen keeps objecting to Habba's questions, which he's not allowed to do, as he's the witness.Kise: "Your honor, this witness is completely out of control."
32/ Now Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, is going into Cohen’s past convictions, asking him about various crimes to which he has pleaded guilty. Cohen is confirming his pleas.— Dan Alexander (@DanAlexander21) October 24, 2023
32/ Now Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, is going into Cohen’s past convictions, asking him about various crimes to which he has pleaded guilty. Cohen is confirming his pleas.
30/ The state concludes its direct examination of Michael Cohen. Now time for the cross-examination, which promises to be interesting. Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, steps to the microphone.— Dan Alexander (@DanAlexander21) October 24, 2023
30/ The state concludes its direct examination of Michael Cohen. Now time for the cross-examination, which promises to be interesting. Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, steps to the microphone.
Trump's net worth in 2014 was $2.3 billion, per NYAG.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Trump's net worth in 2014 was $2.3 billion, per NYAG.
27/ The AG’s office has a letter on the screen from Donald Trump to Morgan Stanley, which was handling the Buffalo Bills sale. Opening line: “Please let this letter serve to represent my bid to purchase the Buffalo Bills football team for One Billion Dollars ($1,000,000,000).”— Dan Alexander (@DanAlexander21) October 24, 2023
27/ The AG’s office has a letter on the screen from Donald Trump to Morgan Stanley, which was handling the Buffalo Bills sale. Opening line: “Please let this letter serve to represent my bid to purchase the Buffalo Bills football team for One Billion Dollars ($1,000,000,000).”
Court breaks for a mid-afternoon recess. Stretch, hydrate, grab a bucket of popcorn and we’ll see you back here imminently.
Kise is objecting to evidence on this topic, arguing that a "drive-by" reference to the Buffalo Bills in the lawsuit doesn't make it relevant.Engoron: I believe we all can agree that Mr. Trump never owned the Buffalo Bills, correct? NYAG agrees. The judge admits it.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Kise is objecting to evidence on this topic, arguing that a "drive-by" reference to the Buffalo Bills in the lawsuit doesn't make it relevant.Engoron: I believe we all can agree that Mr. Trump never owned the Buffalo Bills, correct? NYAG agrees. The judge admits it.
26/ Trump’s attorney asks about the relevance of some of this, given that Trump didn’t actually buy the Bills. The judge disagrees with him, prompting the former president to throw up his hands, apparently in frustration.— Dan Alexander (@DanAlexander21) October 24, 2023
26/ Trump’s attorney asks about the relevance of some of this, given that Trump didn’t actually buy the Bills. The judge disagrees with him, prompting the former president to throw up his hands, apparently in frustration.
23/ Cohen is explaining how the Trump Org used Trump’s net worth statements in meetings with insurance companies. He says they would meet in a conference room, where Weisselberg would give docs to the companies and tell them they could take notes—but not keep the actual papers.— Dan Alexander (@DanAlexander21) October 24, 2023
23/ Cohen is explaining how the Trump Org used Trump’s net worth statements in meetings with insurance companies. He says they would meet in a conference room, where Weisselberg would give docs to the companies and tell them they could take notes—but not keep the actual papers.
Cohen's testimony turns to the "Gang of Four," the quartet of Trump Org execs that included Matthew Calamari, Allen Weisselberg, Ron Lieberman and himself.A prior witness gave them a less colorful name.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Cohen's testimony turns to the "Gang of Four," the quartet of Trump Org execs that included Matthew Calamari, Allen Weisselberg, Ron Lieberman and himself.A prior witness gave them a less colorful name.
Cohen said Trump would not communicate with him electronically or via handwritten notes, except to change numbers in red pen.— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
Cohen said Trump would not communicate with him electronically or via handwritten notes, except to change numbers in red pen.
Cohen testifies that he understood that Trump's adult children Eric, Don Jr and Ivanka were involved in valuing properties in projects they headed. But pressed by the judge, Cohen acknowledges he didn't personally observe that.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Cohen testifies that he understood that Trump's adult children Eric, Don Jr and Ivanka were involved in valuing properties in projects they headed. But pressed by the judge, Cohen acknowledges he didn't personally observe that.
Trump’s longtime assistant gets a mention.
And we’re back. Cohen is testifying that Rhona Graff would summon him to Trump’s office, whereupon he would discover Allen and Trump would say, “I’m not really worth $4.5 billion; I am really worth $6 billion.” 1/— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
And we’re back. Cohen is testifying that Rhona Graff would summon him to Trump’s office, whereupon he would discover Allen and Trump would say, “I’m not really worth $4.5 billion; I am really worth $6 billion.” 1/
Lunch break is over and we are back for more testimony.
21/ AG’s office is asking about the role that Trump’s oldest children—Don Jr., Ivanka and Eric—played in helping with the net worth numbers. Cohen says Weisselberg told him he had to speak with the kids about some things. Eric, sitting first row, shakes his head from time to time— Dan Alexander (@DanAlexander21) October 24, 2023
21/ AG’s office is asking about the role that Trump’s oldest children—Don Jr., Ivanka and Eric—played in helping with the net worth numbers. Cohen says Weisselberg told him he had to speak with the kids about some things. Eric, sitting first row, shakes his head from time to time
Trump has been posting through his lunch break.
For a straightforward recap of Michael Cohen’s testimony, here is the AP rundown with key facts.
He seems quite deflated.
Reporter: “How did it feel to see Michael Cohen here?”Donald Trump: “Uh, well, I haven’t seen him in years. And you know his record. His record’s a horrible one. All you have to do is ask the Southern District of New York … We’re not worried at all about his testimony.” pic.twitter.com/0fCn4i8xQU— The Recount (@therecount) October 24, 2023
Reporter: “How did it feel to see Michael Cohen here?”Donald Trump: “Uh, well, I haven’t seen him in years. And you know his record. His record’s a horrible one. All you have to do is ask the Southern District of New York … We’re not worried at all about his testimony.” pic.twitter.com/0fCn4i8xQU
Ketchup is gonna be flying!
...the various different asset classes, increase those assets in order to achieve the number that Mr. Trump had tasked us."As Cohen testified, Trump shook his head, looking red in the face.— erica orden (@eorden) October 24, 2023
...the various different asset classes, increase those assets in order to achieve the number that Mr. Trump had tasked us."As Cohen testified, Trump shook his head, looking red in the face.
Cohen: 🚨"I was tasked by Mr. Trump to increase the total assets based upon a number that [Trump] arbitrarily elected. And my responsibility, along with Allen Weisselberg, predominately, was the reverse-engineer the various asset classes — increase those assets to achieve the…— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Cohen: 🚨"I was tasked by Mr. Trump to increase the total assets based upon a number that [Trump] arbitrarily elected. And my responsibility, along with Allen Weisselberg, predominately, was the reverse-engineer the various asset classes — increase those assets to achieve the…
Asked which number, Cohen responds: "Whatever Mr. Trump told us to."— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Asked which number, Cohen responds: "Whatever Mr. Trump told us to."
Over on his social network, Trump is sharing old articles and quotes of Michael Cohen praising him.
Cohen:"I was involved in the potential acquisition of the Buffalo Bills," as well as the Miami Doral property.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Cohen:"I was involved in the potential acquisition of the Buffalo Bills," as well as the Miami Doral property.
Cohen:"He concentrated on golf as well as, again, different opportunities that would come into the company, Don, Eric and Ivanka would split" different opportunities.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Cohen:"He concentrated on golf as well as, again, different opportunities that would come into the company, Don, Eric and Ivanka would split" different opportunities.
Cohen: "When I started, Jason Greenblatt was general counsel, alongside George Ross."Questioning pivots to Donald Trump Jr.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Cohen: "When I started, Jason Greenblatt was general counsel, alongside George Ross."Questioning pivots to Donald Trump Jr.
Q: Who did you report to at the Trump Organization?A: Donald Trump.Q: Anyone else?A: No.NYAG's counsel Colleen Faherty hammers home the point with similar questions. Same answers.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Q: Who did you report to at the Trump Organization?A: Donald Trump.Q: Anyone else?A: No.NYAG's counsel Colleen Faherty hammers home the point with similar questions. Same answers.
Trump ultimately asked him if he wanted to “leave that sleepy old firm” and join the Trump Org., where he held the same title throughout his tenure.— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
Trump ultimately asked him if he wanted to “leave that sleepy old firm” and join the Trump Org., where he held the same title throughout his tenure.
After Cohen admits he was in Trump’s employee when he committed his crimes and had served as Trump’s personal lawyer, Faherty resets and is now reviewing Cohen’s professional history as a lawyer and an operator of yellow cabs through 2002.— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
After Cohen admits he was in Trump’s employee when he committed his crimes and had served as Trump’s personal lawyer, Faherty resets and is now reviewing Cohen’s professional history as a lawyer and an operator of yellow cabs through 2002.
He says he lied to protect Trump, but that many others were involved in the creation of the statement, including Ivanka, Jared, Alan Garten, and Abbe Lowell. Still, he read that statement into the record, and that was his crime, he says.— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
He says he lied to protect Trump, but that many others were involved in the creation of the statement, including Ivanka, Jared, Alan Garten, and Abbe Lowell. Still, he read that statement into the record, and that was his crime, he says.
Cohen adds that he told his lies about Trump Tower Moscow "at the direction of, in concert with, and for the benefit of, Mr. Trump."— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Cohen adds that he told his lies about Trump Tower Moscow "at the direction of, in concert with, and for the benefit of, Mr. Trump."
COHEN TAKES THE STAND. He looked over at the defense before taking his seat. Trump's sitting back with his arms crossed, looking straight at him. Cohen is detailing his rap sheet: tax evasion, lying to a financial institution, campaign finance crimes, and lying to Congress.— Molly Crane-Newman (@molcranenewman) October 24, 2023
COHEN TAKES THE STAND. He looked over at the defense before taking his seat. Trump's sitting back with his arms crossed, looking straight at him. Cohen is detailing his rap sheet: tax evasion, lying to a financial institution, campaign finance crimes, and lying to Congress.
And here we go….
Michael Cohen of Park Avenue has just taken the stand, in a suit but sans tie. His lawyer @Edanyaperry is in the gallery with two others who appear to be on Cohen’s legal team.— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
Michael Cohen of Park Avenue has just taken the stand, in a suit but sans tie. His lawyer @Edanyaperry is in the gallery with two others who appear to be on Cohen’s legal team.
Trump is back now. Judge Engoron lightly admonishes him, although not by name, for his tardiness.— erica orden (@eorden) October 24, 2023
Trump is back now. Judge Engoron lightly admonishes him, although not by name, for his tardiness.
Trump reenters the courtroom, now with son Eric Trump, who's sits in the front row.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Trump reenters the courtroom, now with son Eric Trump, who's sits in the front row.
A somewhat deflated-sounding Trump just addressed reporters on a bathroom break, defending his financial statements. His lawyers expect to keep Kelly on cross for another hour or so, meaning Cohen might not come until after lunch. pic.twitter.com/f2Ixqisi9v— Molly Crane-Newman (@molcranenewman) October 24, 2023
A somewhat deflated-sounding Trump just addressed reporters on a bathroom break, defending his financial statements. His lawyers expect to keep Kelly on cross for another hour or so, meaning Cohen might not come until after lunch. pic.twitter.com/f2Ixqisi9v
Interrupting his colleague — reluctantly, he says — Kise asks whether there will be a morning recess.One is called now for 15 minutes. Trump leaves the courtroom with his lawyers. How the day started, @TheMessenger 🔗 https://t.co/LJWlX6vaB0— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Interrupting his colleague — reluctantly, he says — Kise asks whether there will be a morning recess.One is called now for 15 minutes. Trump leaves the courtroom with his lawyers. How the day started, @TheMessenger 🔗 https://t.co/LJWlX6vaB0
For example, in 2017, the Trump Org was forced to change the size of the then-president's New York triplex, after Forbes publicly confirmed Trump lied about the penthouse's size.Mazars didn't repudiate Trump's financial statements until years later.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
For example, in 2017, the Trump Org was forced to change the size of the then-president's New York triplex, after Forbes publicly confirmed Trump lied about the penthouse's size.Mazars didn't repudiate Trump's financial statements until years later.
That passage ends: "The goodwill attached to the Trump name has significant value that has not been reflected in the preparation of this financial statement."Notably, the judge found this language was fraudulent, because Trump Org *was* boosting assets from brand value.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
That passage ends: "The goodwill attached to the Trump name has significant value that has not been reflected in the preparation of this financial statement."Notably, the judge found this language was fraudulent, because Trump Org *was* boosting assets from brand value.
Suarez revisits his contentious questioning of Bender from weeks ago. "I may not have read every line but I did look at it," Bender said at the time, referring to Trump's statement of financial condition.The witness says he isn't concerned about that testimony.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Suarez revisits his contentious questioning of Bender from weeks ago. "I may not have read every line but I did look at it," Bender said at the time, referring to Trump's statement of financial condition.The witness says he isn't concerned about that testimony.
Kelly was deposed in Trump Tower, and he agrees that he subsequently discussed their testimony. Q: You practiced for your direct examination? Objection. Kelly previously disputed the characterization of it as "practicing."— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Kelly was deposed in Trump Tower, and he agrees that he subsequently discussed their testimony. Q: You practiced for your direct examination? Objection. Kelly previously disputed the characterization of it as "practicing."
Again, none of them is wearing a mask. Suarez's cross-ex is underway.— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
Again, none of them is wearing a mask. Suarez's cross-ex is underway.
The witness now reviews this letter stating Trump's statements of financial condition from 2011 through 2020 "should no longer be relied upon." pic.twitter.com/RxO5aVLNoH— Adam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) October 24, 2023
The witness now reviews this letter stating Trump's statements of financial condition from 2011 through 2020 "should no longer be relied upon." pic.twitter.com/RxO5aVLNoH
Today’s first witness at the Trump trial is Bill Kelly, the general counsel of Mazars, who testified that he handled “legal aspects” of the Trump engagement, including subpoenas from the House Oversight committee and the Manhattan DA’s office. (Both wound up at SCOTUS.) 1/— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
Today’s first witness at the Trump trial is Bill Kelly, the general counsel of Mazars, who testified that he handled “legal aspects” of the Trump engagement, including subpoenas from the House Oversight committee and the Manhattan DA’s office. (Both wound up at SCOTUS.) 1/
Trump heads into to court to face Michael Cohen: “He’s a liar trying to get a better deal for himself.” pic.twitter.com/uJOlLGUr73— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) October 24, 2023
Trump heads into to court to face Michael Cohen: “He’s a liar trying to get a better deal for himself.” pic.twitter.com/uJOlLGUr73
Former President Trump back in New York court this morning pic.twitter.com/Z76peiuTPX— Spencer Maki (@spencermaki) October 24, 2023
Former President Trump back in New York court this morning pic.twitter.com/Z76peiuTPX
Court personnel is now on the phone to determine whether they can engineer another set up for the Trump team’s comfort.— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
Court personnel is now on the phone to determine whether they can engineer another set up for the Trump team’s comfort.
Cliff Robert, another member of Team Trump, has now stood to characterize the COVID spread as an epidemic. (One member of the Trump legal team has been diagnosed with COVID as well.) Engoron makes the call: “Masks are available. We will proceed.”— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
Cliff Robert, another member of Team Trump, has now stood to characterize the COVID spread as an epidemic. (One member of the Trump legal team has been diagnosed with COVID as well.) Engoron makes the call: “Masks are available. We will proceed.”
He accuses the AG of dispensing with health protocols because “nothing else matters, except pursuing President Trump.” And he says yet another member of the AG’s staff tested positive this morning. He says it is “hypocritical” for the AG to forge ahead while maintaining the…— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
He accuses the AG of dispensing with health protocols because “nothing else matters, except pursuing President Trump.” And he says yet another member of the AG’s staff tested positive this morning. He says it is “hypocritical” for the AG to forge ahead while maintaining the…
At the defense table, the seat reserved for lead counsel is not occupied by Chris Kise, who is seated to Trump’s left. Flanking him on the other side is Alina Habba. As the still photographers leave, Kise rises to his feet to object to trial continuing today. Why? 4/— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
At the defense table, the seat reserved for lead counsel is not occupied by Chris Kise, who is seated to Trump’s left. Flanking him on the other side is Alina Habba. As the still photographers leave, Kise rises to his feet to object to trial continuing today. Why? 4/
She’s not here for sport. Depending on who you talk to, Cohen is either a witness or the central witness in the DA’s criminal case against Trump, which is scheduled for trial in late March ‘24. If anyone has an interest in how Cohen performs on the stand, it’s her & her team. 2/— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) October 24, 2023
She’s not here for sport. Depending on who you talk to, Cohen is either a witness or the central witness in the DA’s criminal case against Trump, which is scheduled for trial in late March ‘24. If anyone has an interest in how Cohen performs on the stand, it’s her & her team. 2/
Michael Cohen spoke to reporters on the way into the courthouse.
“This is not about Donald Trump vs. Michael Cohen, or Michael Cohen vs. Donald Trump. This is about accountability, plain and simple.”— Michael Cohen arrives to testify at his former boss Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial in Manhattan. pic.twitter.com/TIYady3WJM— The Recount (@therecount) October 24, 2023
“This is not about Donald Trump vs. Michael Cohen, or Michael Cohen vs. Donald Trump. This is about accountability, plain and simple.”— Michael Cohen arrives to testify at his former boss Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial in Manhattan. pic.twitter.com/TIYady3WJM
Editor’s note: Headline updated after Cohen’s testimony began.