Michael Cohen continues to post bizarre TikToks, including a livestream that showed Donald Trump behind bars, despite Manhattan prosecutors repeatedly urging him to stay quiet about the hush money case. Trump’s lawyers have complained to the Manhattan Supreme Court Justice about Cohen’s actions and asked for him to be muzzled like their client. Prosecutors have asked Cohen to stay silent about the case, but he has continued to speak out about it.
At the request of Trump’s lawyers, the judge directed prosecutors to inform Cohen once again to refrain from making any statements about the case or about Trump. Cohen is expected to take the stand on Monday to detail his role in paying $130,000 in hush money to Stormy Daniels at Trump’s direction. Trump is prohibited from speaking negatively about Cohen and has been fined $10,000 for disparaging comments towards Cohen, Daniels, and the jury. Cohen, who has served prison time for a campaign finance crime related to the hush money payment, has repeatedly criticized Trump during the trial.
During the trial, jurors learned about the deteriorating relationship between Trump and Cohen in 2018 after Cohen claimed Trump directed him to make the Daniels payoff. Trump initially defended Cohen but later changed his tune when Cohen pleaded guilty to a federal campaign finance crime. President Trump tweeted his disapproval of Cohen’s services in a post from August 2018. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office plans to call Cohen and one other witness next week before resting its case, allowing Trump the opportunity to present a defense if desired.
Trump expressed frustration with the gag order preventing him from speaking about witnesses and jurors, calling it a “disgrace.” Despite pleas from prosecutors and the judge to stay silent, Cohen has continued to speak out about the hush money case involving Trump and Daniels. Trump’s lawyers have raised concerns about Cohen’s actions and requested that he be told once again to refrain from discussing the case. Cohen’s upcoming testimony is expected to shed light on his involvement in the hush money payment and his relationship with Trump.
The ongoing trial has shown the changing dynamic between Trump and Cohen, with the former president initially supporting his longtime fixer but later distancing himself after Cohen’s guilty plea. The judge has directed prosecutors to communicate the need for Cohen to stay silent about the case or Trump. Despite the gag order, Cohen seems determined to continue speaking out, prompting concerns from Trump’s legal team. The trial is set to continue with Cohen’s testimony expected next week, leading to potential revelations about Trump’s involvement in the hush money payment.
