Recent development, Judge Juan Merchan has issued a strict directive to Michael Cohen, a pivotal witness for the prosecution, urging him to abstain from further public statements regarding the ongoing case. This instruction from the judge arises amidst concerns voiced by Trump’s legal team regarding Cohen’s persistent criticism of the former president.
Cohen, notably known for his involvement in facilitating a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign, is slated to take the stand on Monday as a critical witness for the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. The payment, directed to Daniels, stemmed from her allegations of an extramarital affair with Trump, which the former president has vehemently denied, as reported by The Hill on May 10, 2024.
From the courtroom in Manhattan, Judge Merchan conveyed a clear message to the district attorney’s team, directing them to relay to Cohen that the judge expects him to refrain from making any further statements about the case. Emphasizing that this directive emanates directly from the bench, the judge stressed that it should be communicated on behalf of the bench.
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Trump’s legal counsel, led by attorney Todd Blanche, has consistently criticized Cohen’s public denunciations of the former president, especially in light of the gag order imposed on Trump. Blanche petitioned the court for an injunction, seeking to prevent Cohen from speaking in a manner akin to the silence imposed on President Trump.
Despite prior assurances to cease his attacks on Trump, Cohen recently posted a TikTok video donning a t-shirt featuring Trump in an orange jumpsuit, seemingly imprisoned behind bars.
This latest incident has amplified concerns regarding Cohen’s ability to maintain impartiality and refrain from making prejudicial statements that could potentially influence the trial proceedings.
As a key witness for the prosecution, Cohen’s testimony is anticipated to provide insights into the hush money payments and their potential ramifications on Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. The former attorney for Trump has been an outspoken critic of the ex-president, testifying before Congress about alleged financial misdeeds and misleading statements attributed to Trump.
The directive issued by Judge Merchan to Cohen underscores the paramount importance of upholding the integrity of the trial proceedings and ensuring that all involved parties adhere scrupulously to the court’s rules and regulations.
The gag order imposed on Trump has been a contentious issue throughout the trial, with Trump’s legal team arguing that it unfairly curtails his ability to mount a defense against the charges leveled against him.
