Donald J. Trump’s defense lawyer, Todd Blanche, began his cross-examination of the prosecution’s star witness, Michael D. Cohen, by questioning him about derogatory comments he allegedly made about Blanche on TikTok. The judge reminded Blanche to focus on the case, not himself. Blanche then grilled Cohen about various past interactions, including his sale of T-shirts depicting Trump behind bars and his credibility in previous dealings with federal prosecutors. Despite Blanche’s efforts, he struggled to land a solid “gotcha” moment.
Blanche’s decision to defend Trump came as a surprise to many, given his background as a registered Democrat and career as a federal prosecutor and white-collar defense lawyer. He made the swift transition to supporting Trump both professionally and personally, even buying a home near Mar-a-Lago. Despite questions from colleagues about his choice, Blanche remains committed to his role as a defense lawyer and the importance of providing legal representation to all defendants.
Blanche’s friends describe him as deeply loyal and committed to the idea that Trump should not be on trial in the Manhattan case. He is known for being competitive and soft-spoken, traits that may have been tested during his attempts to challenge Cohen on the stand. Despite his efforts to paint Cohen as seeking revenge against Trump, the witness remained composed and unflappable throughout the questioning. In response to Blanche’s questioning, Cohen admitted that he would like to see Trump convicted in the case.
Blanche’s inexperience as a defense lawyer in criminal trials was evident during the cross-examination, as he sought to expose Cohen’s true feelings towards Trump. The witness’s calm demeanor and willingness to admit his negative comments about Trump made it difficult for Blanche to establish a clear line of attack. Despite the challenges, Blanche remained focused on the task at hand, determined to defend his client to the best of his abilities.
The high-profile nature of the case, involving former President Trump and his former lawyer Cohen, has attracted significant media attention. Reporters including Maggie Haberman, Ben Protess, Jonah E. Bromwich, and Alan Feuer have been covering the proceedings closely, highlighting the clash between Blanche and Cohen in the courtroom. The tense exchanges and attempts to discredit the witness have underscored the stakes involved in the trial, as both sides seek to present their case effectively before the jury.
Overall, Blanche’s defense of Trump marks a significant shift in his career and personal trajectory, as he aligns himself with a controversial client and faces the challenges of high-profile litigation. His decision to take on the case reflects his commitment to the principles of legal representation and his willingness to defend all individuals, regardless of public perception. As the trial continues, the clash between Blanche and Cohen will likely intensify, revealing more about the complexities of the case and the strategies employed by both legal teams.
