The Trump Trial Drama: Naps and Michael Cohen’s Cross-Examination
Trump’s Courtroom Snooze Fest
Picture this: Trump, the larger-than-life figure who’s always in the spotlight, is now slouched at the defense table, eyes closed, mouth slightly agape. This isn’t just a fleeting moment; he stays in this semi-sleep state for over 15 minutes. It’s like he’s decided that Cohen’s testimony is the perfect lullaby. Multiple reporters, from Harry Litman to Erica Orton, confirm the scene: Trump, out cold, while Cohen maintains intense eye contact with the jurors. It’s a stark contrast — the kind of split-screen moment that late-night comedians dream of.
The Cross-Examination Fiasco
Now, let’s dive into the meat of the matter — Michael Cohen’s cross-examination by Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanch. If you expected a Perry Mason-style showdown, you might be disappointed. Instead, we got a mix of awkward attempts to discredit Cohen and a bizarre merchandising confusion.
Blanch kicks things off by bringing up Cohen’s past statements. He quotes Cohen calling him a “crying little b****” on TikTok, to which Cohen responds with a cheeky, “Sounds like something I would say.” The court sustains an objection from the prosecution, setting the tone for a cross-examination full of missteps.
Blanch then tries to paint Cohen as a hypocrite, focusing on Cohen’s podcast, “Mea Culpa,” and his public comments about Trump. When asked if he called Trump a “dictator douchebag” and said he belongs in “an effing cage,” Cohen doesn’t flinch. He acknowledges that these are sentiments he’s expressed. It’s clear Cohen isn’t going to be rattled.
The Direct Examination Recap
Before this sleepy and somewhat comical cross-examination, Cohen’s direct examination had already set a serious tone. Cohen described the FBI raid on his home and office, his subsequent fear and anger, and his last conversation with Trump, where Trump assured him everything would be fine because he was “the president of the United States.”
The prosecution introduced a tweet from Trump, which Cohen interpreted as a message to stay loyal. This tweet, aimed at discrediting journalist Maggie Haberman, portrayed Cohen as a good guy who wouldn’t “flip.” Despite these assurances, Cohen detailed how Trump’s surrogates continued to reach out, promising that everything would be okay as long as Cohen stuck to the story.
Mafia Tactics and Legal Drama
Cohen’s testimony painted a picture of a mafia-like operation within Trump’s circle. He described how Trump’s organization continued to pay his legal fees, which he saw as a sign of loyalty. However, when Cohen decided to hire his own lawyer, he faced pressure and anger from Trump’s associates.
Attorney Robert Costello, close to Rudy Giuliani, tried to relay messages from Trump, urging Cohen to stick with their legal team. Costello’s emails, shown to the jury, suggested a deep level of manipulation and control, reminiscent of mafia tactics. Cohen ultimately resisted, leading to a tense exchange where Costello warned him of the consequences of stepping out of line.
The Verdict on Cross-Examination
So, what’s the takeaway from this courtroom drama? Despite Trump’s nap and Blanch’s misguided cross-examination, Cohen held his ground. He answered questions calmly, corrected misinformation, and stuck to his narrative. Multiple reporters in the courtroom, including Adam Klasfeld and Norm Eisen, noted that Cohen’s testimony only highlighted the weaknesses in Trump’s defense.
As for Trump, his courtroom behavior — slouched, eyes closed — isn’t doing him any favors. It’s a far cry from the confident, commanding figure he’s known to project. Whether this is a strategic move to appear disinterested or simply a sign of fatigue, it adds another layer of intrigue to this already fascinating trial.
