Donald Trump made a rare court appearance to witness his former fixer, Michael Cohen, testify against him in a court case that could potentially damage the former US president’s reputation and property empire. Trump’s decision to attend the trial personally, despite his usual reluctance to engage in court proceedings, has raised questions about the significance of this case for the former president. Cohen, who has been a key witness in several investigations and trials involving Trump, claimed that the upcoming testimony would be his first time seeing Trump in five years and reiterated that the trial is not about personal scores being settled, but rather about holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Trump, meanwhile, has dismissed the trial as a “sham” and a “scam” and has maintained that Cohen is a “proven liar” who has been convicted of crimes including tax evasion and lying to Congress. The civil lawsuit, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleges that Trump and his company conspired to inflate his net worth by billions of dollars, citing fabricated financial statements provided to lenders, insurers, and other business partners. Despite the judge already ruling that Trump and his company committed fraud, the trial continues, with claims of conspiracy, insurance fraud, and falsifying business records still pending.
Donald Trump (Via Donald Trump/Twitter)
Throughout the trial, Trump has made public appearances, complaining to TV cameras about the case he claims is a continuation of the “single greatest witch hunt of all time”. Trump’s attorney has argued that the lawsuit is an attempt to “harass and intimidate” the former president and his company, while James has countersued, seeking over $250 million in penalties and damages. This highly publicized trial has sparked widespread interest, with many observers keenly watching how the outcome will affect Trump’s reputation and business interests. The high stakes of the case have led many to speculate about the potential consequences for Trump’s image and property empire. As Cohen takes the stand to testify against his former boss, the outcome of the trial remains uncertain, leaving everyone waiting with bated breath to see how this drama will unfold.
