Michael Cohen's Contested Testimony in Trump-Daniels Hush Money Trial: A Look at the Discrepancies and Doubts

New York City, New York United States of America
Cohen admitted part of the call was about harassment but insisted he discussed both topics with Trump.
Cohen's credibility was questioned due to past lies and felony convictions.
Cohen's testimony centered around charges that Trump falsified business records related to a payment to Daniels.
During cross-examination, text messages suggested a call about harassment instead of the Daniels payment.
Michael Cohen testified in Trump-Stormy Daniels hush money trial on May 16 and 17, 2024.
Michael Cohen's Contested Testimony in Trump-Daniels Hush Money Trial: A Look at the Discrepancies and Doubts

In the ongoing hush money trial involving former President Donald Trump and adult film star Stormy Daniels, Michael Cohen, who was once Trump's attorney but is now his bitter enemy, testified on May 16 and 17, 2024. The trial in Manhattan state court centers around charges that Trump falsified business records related to the payment made to Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged tryst with him before the 2016 presidential election. Cohen's testimony has been a significant part of the proceedings, and his credibility has been called into question due to his past lies and felony convictions. Here is a summary of what transpired during Cohen's testimony:

On May 16, Todd Blanche, Trump's defense lawyer, questioned Cohen about a phone call he made to Trump on October 24, 2016. According to Cohen's earlier testimony and court records, the call was regarding the hush money payment to Daniels. However, during cross-examination on May 16, text messages were presented that suggested the call was actually about a harassing text message Cohen had received at that time. When asked about this discrepancy by Blanche, Cohen admitted that part of the call was indeed about the harassment but insisted he had also discussed the Daniels payment with Trump during their conversation.

On May 17, Anderson Cooper of CNN expressed his doubts about Cohen's testimony during a discussion with legal analyst Elie Honig. Cooper pointed out that if he were on the jury, he would have reservations about Cohen's credibility due to this inconsistency and other instances where Cohen has lied under oath in the past.

Cohen was also questioned about recording conversations with journalists, including one in which he lied about Trump's affair with Daniels. He admitted to these lies but claimed he did so because he was trying to protect Trump at the time. Additionally, Cohen discussed his felony convictions, perjury, prison term, and habitual lying while working for Trump.

The jury is currently deliberating the case and will reach a verdict in due course. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for Trump's political future.


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Confidence

81%

Doubts
  • Was Cohen telling the truth when he said he discussed both topics during the call with Trump?
  • Why did text messages suggest a different topic for the call if Cohen was being truthful?

Sources

92%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

What happened during Michael Cohen's 3rd day of testimony in the Trump hush money trial

PBS NewsHour Thursday, 16 May 2024 22:55
  • Unique Points
    • Michael Cohen was testifying in the Trump hush money trial
    • Cohen was asked about surreptitiously recording phone calls
    • There were discussions about Cohen asking for a pardon from Trump
  • Accuracy
    • Donald Trump finally had a good day in court.
    • Cohen appeared to be tripped up over an account of a call he'd previously said under oath was to discuss Trump’s hush money payment to Stormy Daniels.
    • It was the kind of inconsistency that Trump’s attorneys can use to try to sow reasonable doubt about Cohen’s truthfulness and credibility in the mind of a single juror.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

72%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Michael Cohen gives Donald Trump his best day in hush money trial so far

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Stephen Collinson Friday, 17 May 2024 04:00
  • Unique Points
    • Donald Trump finally had a good day in court.
    • Cohen appeared to be tripped up over an account of a call he’d previously said under oath was to discuss Trump’s hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
  • Accuracy
    • It was the kind of inconsistency that Trump’s attorneys can use to try to sow reasonable doubt about Cohen’s truthfulness and credibility in the mind of a single juror.
    • Cohen insisted,
    • Anderson Cooper expressed doubts about Michael Cohen’s testimony regarding a phone call to Trump about a payment to Stormy Daniels
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting as the author focuses on the inconsistency in Michael Cohen's testimony regarding a call with Donald Trump and only reports details that support this narrative. The author also uses emotional manipulation by describing Trump's day in court as 'good' and 'satisfied,' implying that the trial is a scam.
    • It shows what a scam this whole thing is.
    • The presumptive GOP nominee has often seemed embarrassed and infuriated by his first criminal trial, which has featured salacious exposés of his personal life and details of his alleged attempts to cover it up.
    • But on Thursday, he got to savor his former fixer-turned-enemy Michael Cohen wobbling on the stand under a fearsome cross-examination.
    • Trump left court after a day in which he was supported by another posse of GOP lawmakers, including Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, well satisfied.
    • It was the kind of inconsistency that Trump’s attorneys can use to try to sow reasonable doubt about Cohen’s truthfulness and credibility in the mind of a single juror.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting legal experts and their opinions on the trial. This does not constitute a logical fallacy as long as it is clear that the author is reporting their words and not endorsing them. However, the author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing Trump's day in court as 'good' or 'fascinating', which can be subjective and potentially biased.
    • ]I think there would not be a conviction.[/
    • If the case ended at that moment and there were final statements, I think there would not be a conviction.[
  • Bias (75%)
    The author expresses a clear bias towards Donald Trump throughout the article. The author describes Trump's day in court as 'good' and 'satisfied', and quotes him making hyperbolic statements that spin the events in his favor. The author also quotes Ryan Goodman, a professor at NYU Law, who expresses doubt about the prosecution's case based on the inconsistency of Cohen's testimony. The author does not provide any counter-arguments or evidence to challenge these statements.
    • Donald Trump finally had a good day in court.
      • He left court after a day in which he was supported by another posse of GOP lawmakers, including Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, well satisfied.
        • If the case ended at that point and there were final statements, I think there would not be a conviction.
          • Trump's hyperbolic spin and unique take on proceedings rang less hollow than usual given several positive moments for the defense in what has largely been a grim month for Trump in the courtroom.
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          75%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Michael Cohen's Impact on Jury Picked Apart by Analysts

          Newsweek LLC Sean O'Driscoll Friday, 17 May 2024 14:39
          • Unique Points
            • Cohen was Trump’s attorney and is now his bitter enemy.
            • Cohen recorded a conversation with a journalist, lying about Trump’s affair with Stormy Daniels.
            • Cohen has felony convictions, perjury, prison term, habitual lying when working for Trump and was disbarred from practicing law.
          • Accuracy
            • Michael Cohen was testifying in the Trump hush money trial
            • Michael Cohen was Trump's attorney and is now his bitter enemy
            • Trump stands trial for falsifying business records related to payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal.
          • Deception (30%)
            The author makes editorializing statements and engages in selective reporting. He quotes legal analysts making opinions about the trial and the jury's potential biases towards Trump, but does not provide any evidence or facts to support these claims. The author also implies that Cohen is a 'difficult witness to assess' and a 'vengeful liar,' but again, provides no evidence or facts to back up these assertions.
            • Cohen is not a very likable person, but the jury could go either way in their assessment of his credibility.
            • Prosecutors say that Cohen made the payment to Daniels on Trump’s behalf and was later reimbursed. They add that it is an illegal campaign contribution because the payment was intended to silence Daniels and thereby influence the 2016 presidential election.
            • legal analysts have said. ... Jurors could find him credible or they might think he is a vengeful liar who will say anything to sink Trump.
          • Fallacies (85%)
            Sean O'Driscoll makes an appeal to authority by quoting legal analysts David Ring and Stephen Gillers without providing any context or evaluation of their expertise or qualifications. This is a form of informal fallacy known as 'Appeal to Authority'. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing Cohen as a 'bitter enemy' and 'implacable opponent' of Trump, which can influence the reader's perception without providing any evidence.
            • > legal analysts have said. <
            • David Ring, a partner in the Taylor & Ring law firm in Los Angeles, told Newsweek that...
            • Stephen Gillers, a New York University law professor, told Newsweek that...
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          93%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Anderson Cooper admits he would ‘absolutely’ have doubts about Cohen’s testimony if he were on the jury

          Fox News Channel Gabriel Hays Friday, 17 May 2024 15:35
          • Unique Points
            • Anderson Cooper expressed doubts about Michael Cohen's testimony regarding a phone call to Trump about a payment to Stormy Daniels
            • Cohen testified that he called Trump’s former bodyguard Keith Schiller on Oct. 24, 2016 to discuss the payment, but text messages revealed the call was also about a 14-year-old harassing Cohen
          • Accuracy
            • ]Anderson Cooper expressed doubts about Michael Cohen's testimony regarding a phone call to Trump about a payment to Stormy Daniels[
            • Cohen testified that he called Trump’s former bodyguard Keith Schiller on Oct. 24, 2016 to discuss the payment,
          • Deception (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Fallacies (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Bias (95%)
            The author expresses doubt about Michael Cohen's testimony and agrees with Trump's lawyer that Cohen is lying. This demonstrates a clear bias towards discrediting Cohen.
            • > I think it’s devastating for Michael Cohen’s credibility on this one particular topic.<br>Absolutely. I think it’s devastating for Michael Cohen’s credibility on this one particular topic.<br>You could tell the import of the moment and everyone in the courtroom could tell, and if you were unaware of it – the clicking of every reporters' in the room typewriters – it was like a crescendo because the drama of the moment was so clear to everybody in the room.<br>If I was a juror in this case watching that I would think, this guy’s making this up as he’s going along, or he’s making this particular story up.
              • The author expresses agreement with Trump's lawyer that Cohen is lying and doubts Cohen's credibility.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication

              89%

              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

              Trump lawyer yells at Michael Cohen in cross-examination over call about Stormy Daniels

              CNBC News Dan Mangan Thursday, 16 May 2024 18:22
              • Unique Points
                • Michael Cohen is a witness in Donald Trump’s criminal trial on charges of falsifying business records related to hush money paid to Stormy Daniels.
                • Cohen admitted paying Daniels $130,000 in 2016 to keep her quiet about an alleged tryst with Trump.
              • Accuracy
                • Cohen claimed he spoke to Trump about the Stormy Daniels matter during an October 24, 2016 call.
              • Deception (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Fallacies (85%)
                The author, Dan Mangan, presents some inflammatory rhetoric and a potential dichotomous depiction in his article. The inflammatory language is evident in phrases such as
                • A defense attorney for Donald Trump yelled at prosecution witness Michael Cohen during cross-examination, saying Cohen's claim about a 2016 phone call at issue in the former president's criminal hush money trial "was a lie!"
              • Bias (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication