Michael Cohen acknowledged stealing from the Trump Organisation by including a reimbursement to a technology company in his bonus package and pocketing most of the money. Photograph: Julia Nikhinson/APformer fixer Michael Cohen testified on Monday that he stole money from Trump’s company, an admission that could chip away at his credibility as a star witness at the former
But as a convicted felon and admitted liar, Mr Cohen is a problematic witness. Prosecutors have buttressed his testimony with documentary evidence, while Mr Trump’s lawyers have sought to undermine Mr Cohen’s credibility through his cross-examination. The allegations relate to alleged payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Photograph: Markus Schreiber/AP
Inside the courtroom, Mr Trump has sat at the defendant’s table listening to Ms Daniels tell her account of their time together in lurid detail. Other witnesses, including Mr Cohen, have discussed efforts to bury unflattering stories at a time Mr Trump faced multiple accusations of sexual misbehaviour.