Cohen testifies in Trump hush money probe
NEW YORK — Donald Trump’s former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen testified Monday before a Manhattan grand jury investigating hush money payments he arranged and made on the former president’s behalf.
Cohen arrived at the courthouse accompanied by his lawyer shortly in advance of his closed-door testimony, which comes at a critical time as the Manhattan district attorney’s office approaches a decision whether to seek charges against Trump.
A Trump loyalist turned adversary, Cohen was expected to provide crucial details about whatever involvement the Republican presidential candidate may have had in the payments made during the 2016 campaign to two women who alleged affairs or sexual encounters with him.
“My goal is to tell the truth,” Cohen said outside the courthouse, dismissing a suggestion that he might be motivated by a desire to see Trump behind bars.
“This is not revenge,” he said. “This is all about accountability. He needs to be held accountable for his dirty deeds.”
Trump denies being involved with either of the women, the porn actor Stormy Daniels and model Karen McDougal.
Appearing Monday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Trump lawyer Joseph Tacopina said it is unlikely the former president will accept an invitation, extended by prosecutors last week, to testify before the grand jury.
“We have no plans on participating in this proceeding,” Tacopina said. “It’s a decision that needs to be made still. There’s been no deadline set.”
He characterized Trump as a victim, saying he was pressured into making the payment to Daniels.