Michael Cohen testifies in Trump hush money trial

Michael Cohen testifies that he was angry, beyond angry" because Donald Trump had slashed his bonus by two-thirds.

Cohen says after fronting "$130,000 on his behalf to protect him, it was insulting that the gratitude that was shown back to me was to cut the bonus by two-thirds."

Trump provided bonuses in an annual Christmas card to his staff. "Right after opening it I actually had to take a double take," Cohen says.

He immediately went to (CFO Allen) Weisselberg's office "and in some colorful language expressed to him how truly pissed off and angry I really was. This makes no sense at all."

Trump laughs to himself and nods as Cohen testifies about how angry he was about the bonus cut.

Cohen's tone is still very even and measured.

He says, with a smirk, "I was even for myself unusually angry."

Michael Cohen said he didn't expect to be compensated by Donald Trump for being his personal attorney as president because he understood he'd make money from the companies that would pay him for insights on Trump.

A day or two before Trump left for the inauguration in January 2017, Cohen said Trump officially made him his personal counsel.

Michael Cohen is now being shown text messages he exchanged with his daughter after the 2016 election.

He says he explained to her his role would not be in government, but it would be "a hybrid" with access to Trump while being able to monetize his relationship with various companies.

Michael Cohen is looking directly at the jury as he explains his pitch to be Donald Trump's personal attorney.

"Mr. Trump was an enigma. He was a businessman no one knew what his position was," he says.

Cohen says he thought he could monetize the position and knowledge of Trump. "Because of my close proximity to him for a decade, I did understand him," Cohen says.

Cohen says he brought in an attorney who helped him pitch the idea to Trump.

He presented Trump with a 3-page memo explaining why Trump needed a personal attorney and why it should be Cohen. They met for about an hour about it, Cohen testifies.

Michael Cohen says he wanted to be personal attorney to the president but he really wanted to be "consultant" so he could stay in New York.

Cohen said being personal attorney to the president "opens up a tremendous amount of doors for people who are trying to understand the mind of Trump."

Cohen is looking at the jury directly as he's explaining his pitch to Trump.

Donald Trump shakes his head when Michael Cohen says he was disappointed he wasn't considered for the position of White House chief of staff.

Cohen is testifying that he was disappointed that he wasn't considered for chief of staff at the White House after Trump was elected president — although Cohen acknowledges he was not "competent" for the job.

"I just wanted my name to have been included," Cohen says. "I wanted to at least be considered. It was more about my ego than anything,' he added

As Cohen mentions his ego, Trump opens his eyes to look at Cohen briefly.

Michael Cohen was asked if he would continue to work for the Trump Organization after the 2016 presidential election.

"No, because my service was no longer necessary. I was special counsel to Mr. Trump and he was now president-elect," Cohen testified.

Trump nodded with his eyes closed as Cohen said this.

Michael Cohen texted Hope Hicks about the reaction to the Wall Street Journal story.

"Even CNN not talking about it. No one believes it and if necessary, I have a statement by Stormy (Daniels) denying everything and contradicting the other porn stars statement. I wouldn't use it now or even discuss with him as no one is talking about this or cares!"