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As it happenedended

Cohen testimony: Trump’s ex-lawyer claims ‘criminal conspiracy’ and gives dire warning to Congress in public testimony

Cohen said he is worried that there will 'never be another peaceful transfer of power' if Mr Trump loses re-election in 2020

Clark Mindock
New York
Wednesday 27 February 2019 23:10 GMT
Comments
Michael Cohen says he cannot discuss that last contact he had with Trump, as it is being investigated by the Southern District of New York

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Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer, has given dramatic testimony before the House Oversight Committee, were he discussed a criminal conspiracy involving the president, his oldest son Donald Trump Jr, and the chief financial officer of the Trump Organisation, Allen Weisselberg — and then cast the president as an existential threat to American democracy.

During one particularly notable exchange, Cohen was asked by Democratic Representative Ro Khanna about a cheque making a payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, which he called a "smoking gun" that proves several individuals were involved in the conspiracy.

"Are you telling us, Mr Cohen, that the president directed transactions in conspiracy with Allen Weisselberg and his son, Donald Trump Jr, as part of a criminal conspiracy of financial fraud?" Mr Khanna asked in relation to the cheque. "Is that your testimony today?"

"Yes," Cohen said.

Cohen, who will serve a three year prison sentence starting in May, said during his testimony that he believes the US is at a critical juncture in its history. Mr Trump, a man who Cohen once said he would take a bullet for, is a threat to American democracy, he said.

"If he loses the [2020] election, I worry there would never be a peaceful transition of power," he said.

Throughout his hours-long testimony on Wednesday, Cohen said that he is remorseful for ever allowing himself to end up in Mr Trump's inner circle. Cohen, who worked as the president's private attorney for a decade said that he had caused considerable damage to his family and reputation — and repeatedly apologised even as Republicans questioned why they should believe his testimony given he pleaded guilty to lying to Congress once before already.

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“I am ashamed that I chose to take part in concealing Mr Trump’s illicit acts rather than listening to my own conscience,” Cohen said.

Cohen also suggested that the president was aware that political consultant Roger Stone was in discussion with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange about the site’s access to stolen Democratic National Committee emails.

The president's former personal attorney said that he was in a room when Mr Stone told Mr Trump about the leaks, and that nobody made an effort to contact the FBI regarding those leaks.

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Cohen says he is not aware of Donald Trump abusing substances, or of being delinquent on child care or alimony payments.

Clark Mindock27 February 2019 17:47

Cohen has detailed the many charges that he is being sent to prison for.

Republicans have repeatedly noted that Cohen isn't a good witness for Congress, since he lied.

Clark Mindock27 February 2019 17:51

Cohen has refused to say that he will donate any proceeds to book deals.

Clark Mindock27 February 2019 17:51

Cohen says that he is not aware of more women being paid hush money, specifically saying that he is not aware of payments made by Donald Trump specifically.

Clark Mindock27 February 2019 17:56

Clark Mindock27 February 2019 18:00

Cohen is facing three years in prison, and is discussing the Rule 35 motion — which requires his cooperation in order to receive a lighter sentence.

He says there is a "possibility" for a Rule 35 motion for his other cooperation. Says that today's congressional testimony will not help with that.

Clark Mindock27 February 2019 18:01

Cohen says he is not aware of cash purchases by Russian oligarchs of Trump properties.

Clark Mindock27 February 2019 18:08

Cohen says he was asked initially by Donald Trump Jr to meet with his father, and is detailing how he met Donald Trump initially.

Clark Mindock27 February 2019 18:10

Cohen says he does not know what the president fears most.

"It's a tough question ... I don't know how to answer that question," he said when asked.

Clark Mindock27 February 2019 18:13

Cohen says that he now follows different moral compass than he did before working for Donald Trump.

Clark Mindock27 February 2019 18:15

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