Cohen says he was "knee-deep into the cult of Donald Trump"

Trump defense cross-examines Michael Cohen in hush money trial

By CNN's Kara Scannell, Lauren Del Valle and Jeremy Herb in the courthouse

Updated 0042 GMT (0842 HKT) May 15, 2024
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3:07 p.m. ET, May 14, 2024

Cohen says he was "knee-deep into the cult of Donald Trump"

Defense attorney Todd Blanche reads aloud remarks that Michael Cohen has made about Trump, including that all the former president wanted to do was "make the country great again."

"At the time, you weren't lying, right?" Blanche asks.

"At that time, I was knee-deep into the cult of Donald Trump, yes," Cohen answers, adding, "I was not lying, it's how I felt."

"You were telling the truth, correct?" Blanche asks.

"That’s how I felt," Cohen says. "I was expressing my feelings, so yes it would be the truth."

3:18 p.m. ET, May 14, 2024

Michael Cohen is talking on social media and to the press about the trial. Here’s some of his testimony

From CNN's Christina Zdanowicz

The defense started its cross-examination of Michael Cohen and things heated up when it came to Cohen’s TikToks and other things he’s posted on social media during the trial.

Here are the highlights:

Things got fiery: Sparks flew as the defense started its cross-examination of Cohen.

"You went on TikTok and called me a crying little sh*t​" just before the trial began, Trump attorney Todd Blanche asked.
Cohen nodded and said, “Sounds like something I would say.”
(The questions would be stricken from the record by the judge)

Speaking out on the trial: The defense tried to establish a pattern of Cohen speaking out on social media and to the press, despite the district attorney's office asking him to stop talking about it while the trial is going on. Here are the comments Cohen corroborated:

  • While former National Enquirer boss David Pecker was testifying, Cohen said on TikTok that Pecker was corroborating what he’d been saying for years.
  • In the same TikTok, the defense said Cohen called Trump a "dictator douchebag,” which Cohen confirmed.
  • Cohen confirmed prosecutors have asked him to stop talking about the case publicly.
  • The district attorney’s office warned Cohen repeatedly not to speak about the case and not talk to the press about it.

Why he uses TikTok: Cohen established that he is using TikTok to build an audience and blow off some steam. He also acknowledged that he makes some money from the social platform, but it isn’t much.

How much he talks about Trump: Cohen admitted he talks about Trump six days a week on his TikTok account. And on his two podcasts, he said, he records two episodes per week — Trump comes up in every episode.

3:09 p.m. ET, May 14, 2024

Did he have a Trump obsession? "I can’t recall using that word. I wouldn’t say it would be wrong," Cohen says

Michael Cohen is asked how he felt about Donald Trump, and if he was obsessed with him.

"I wouldn’t say obsessed. I admired him tremendously."
He then went on, "I can’t recall using that word. I wouldn’t say it would be wrong."

3:36 p.m. ET, May 14, 2024

Cohen says he admires Trump and has read one of his books twice

Trump attorney Todd Blanche asked if it was fair to say Michael Cohen admired Trump.

"Yes sir," Cohen said.
"You admire his financial success? His high profile, his tenacity?" Blanche asks.
"Very much so, yes," Cohen said.

Cohen said he read Trump's book "Art of the Deal" twice.

"I viewed it as a excellent book, yes," Cohen said.

3:02 p.m. ET, May 14, 2024

Cohen testifies about his salary

Michael Cohen says he made $375,000 a year plus an annual bonus of $150,000, except for 2016.

3:03 p.m. ET, May 14, 2024

Cohen testifies he has also represented Trump's wife and one of his sons

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche is now asking Michael Cohen if he also represented more members of the Trump family.

"Your job wasn’t just representing President Trump. You also represented his family at times?" Blanche asks.

"I have, yes," Cohen says.

"Which members of the family?" Blanche asks

"Melania, Don, Jr. I don't believe I ever represented Eric, and I can't recall if I ever represented Ivanka," Cohen replies.

3:02 p.m. ET, May 14, 2024

Cohen says Trump was happy with his effort to stop board from removing his name from building

Todd Blanche recalls that Michael Cohen got involved with the board of the building that was trying to remove the Trump name.

Cohen confirms that Donald Trump was happy with his work on that matter.

Blanche then walks Cohen through how Trump eventually offered him a job after Cohen interceded in a few matters like the intervention with the building board.

3:00 p.m. ET, May 14, 2024

Trump has eyes closed with chin resting on his chest as Cohen answers questions

As Michael Cohen was answering questions, Trump's chin was resting on his chest with his eyes closed.

Defense attorney Susan Necheles scooted over a chair to say something to him after staring at him for several seconds.

2:59 p.m. ET, May 14, 2024

Cohen says he still lives in a building with "Trump's name on it"

Trump attorney Todd Blanche is now walking Michael Cohen through when he first met Trump, and how his apartment was in a Trump building.

"You still live in a building with Trump's name on it, correct?" Blanche asked.

"I do," Cohen said.

Cohen confirmed that he and his family owned several properties in Trump buildings.