In April 2018, news emerged of federal agents searching the home of Michael D. Cohen, who had secrets of President Donald J. Trump. While initially defending Cohen, Trump distanced himself from his fixer and refused pardon requests, unlike his response to Allen H. Weisselberg, the Trump family’s financial gatekeeper. After signing a deal with a $2 million severance, Weisselberg refused to implicate Trump, leading to a guilty plea for perjury. In contrast, Cohen is set to become a key witness at Trump’s criminal trial next month.
Trump’s fear of trusted aides turning against him has led to aggressive tactics, mixing enticements with threats towards witnesses. Despite publicly criticizing Cohen and others, they are still expected to testify against him in multiple trials. A gag order was issued barring Trump from attacking potential witnesses, citing his remarks as threatening and inflammatory. Trump’s legal team has portrayed Cohen as an opportunistic liar, while Weisselberg refused to testify against Trump, citing a lack of decisive information.
Cohen’s loyalty to Trump, spanning nearly two decades, eventually waned as he felt his devotion was not reciprocated. The hush-money deal with Stormy Daniels, orchestrated by Cohen, led to federal charges and allegations against Trump. The increasing conflict between Trump and Cohen led to a breakdown in their relationship, with Cohen choosing to cooperate with prosecutors. On the other hand, Weisselberg, the financial chief, remained loyal to Trump, refusing to implicate him despite facing legal charges.
Weisselberg’s loyalty was underscored by a severance deal that prevented him from cooperating with law enforcement, despite threats of additional charges if he did not comply. His guilty plea for perjury illustrated his unwillingness to turn against Trump, leading to his return to jail. In contrast, Trump’s approach to witnesses has varied, with some, like Cohen, turning against him, while others, like Weisselberg, remaining loyal. The divergent approaches may impact the outcome of Trump’s legal battles.
Trump’s legal challenges extend beyond the Manhattan criminal trial, with cases in Florida, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., further testing his ability to control witnesses. Despite attempts to divert attention and discredit witnesses, Trump’s aggressive tactics have led to legal setbacks. The progression of the cases against Trump will likely rely on the testimony of key witnesses like Cohen, who have intimate knowledge of Trump’s alleged wrongdoings. The ongoing legal battles highlight the power and peril of Trump’s tactics in avoiding prosecution.
