Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarrett criticized Michael Cohen’s performance during his cross-examination in the criminal hush money trial against former President Donald Trump. Trump was indicted on 34 counts related to hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels by Cohen during his 2016 campaign. The trial marks the first time a former U.S. president has stood trial in a criminal case. Jarrett commented on Cohen’s responses to questions about phone records and text messages, which he deemed as damaging to the prosecution’s case.
During the cross-examination, Trump’s defense attorney presented a text message between Cohen and Trump’s bodyguard Keith Schiller, in which Cohen mentioned harassing calls to his phone and office. Cohen testified that he spoke with Trump about these calls during a phone conversation, but evidence suggests otherwise. Jarrett described this discrepancy as a critical moment that undermines Cohen’s credibility and weakens the prosecution’s case. The outcome of the trial rests on the 12-member jury’s decision on whether Trump is guilty of the charges brought against him.
While some legal analysts believe that Cohen’s testimony has hurt the prosecution’s case, others, like Glenn Kirschner, view it as supporting the charges against Trump. Kirschner stated that the prosecution has proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade also highlighted that while Cohen may be an unlikable witness, the prosecution has presented other evidence to support his testimony. The jury is tasked with considering all the evidence presented in the case before reaching a verdict on Trump’s guilt or innocence.
On the other hand, CNN host Anderson Cooper expressed doubts about Cohen’s credibility as a witness, suggesting that he may be fabricating information as he testifies. The back and forth between legal analysts reflects the complexity of the trial and the varying perspectives on the impact of Cohen’s testimony. As the trial progresses, it will be crucial for the defense and prosecution to make their final arguments and for the jury to weigh all the evidence presented before reaching a verdict. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for Trump and the larger political landscape.
