Trump's Legal Team Accuses Former Lawyer Michael Cohen of Lying, Leading to Intense Courtroom Drama

During the second day of testimony in a high-stakes fraud trial, tensions escalated between Michel Cohen, Donald Trump's former personal attorney, and his current legal defense team. The day was filled with procedural disputes between the defense attorneys, prosecutors, and Judge Arthur Engoron, leading to a $10,000 fine imposed on Trump for violating a gag order that prohibited him from speaking or posting about court staff. Earlier in the day, Trump had criticized Judge Engoron as a "very partisan judge," which resulted in the gag order and fine. Later, the judge compelled Trump to briefly take the stand to resolve the matter. Trump claimed that his comment was directed at Judge Engoron and Cohen, rather than the judge and his clerk, but the judge did not find his explanation credible and imposed the fine. The judge emphasized the need to protect his staff and maintain a safe environment. This event marked the climax of a tumultuous day in court, featuring Trump's former personal counsel as a critical witness in a case brought by the New York attorney general, accusing the Trump Organization of inflating the value of its assets for loan benefits. Judge Engoron has already established that the organization committed fraud, and the current trial centers around additional charges. Trump's defense team aggressively challenged Cohen's credibility and motives, while Trump himself remained silent. Cohen, once a trusted lawyer for Trump, resorted to illegal actions in an effort to benefit Trump but ended up facing legal consequences, serving time in prison, and becoming one of Trump's fiercest critics. Cohen is currently a key witness in two cases against Trump, including the investigation into his business dealings and a separate probe by the Manhattan District Attorney regarding hush money payments. During the trial, Cohen testified that Trump instructed him to manipulate asset values, but Trump's defense argued that Cohen perjured himself. Despite attempts by Trump's attorneys to discredit Cohen's testimony, the judge dismissed their request to end the trial based on Cohen's credibility.