DA dismisses Trump’s attempt to prevent Cohen from testifying in hush money trial
Manhattan DA Slams Trump’s Attempt to Bar Cohen from Testifying at Hush Money Trial
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has strongly criticized Donald Trump’s recent court filing, which aims to prevent former attorney Michael Cohen from testifying at his hush money trial. Bragg has called Trump’s argument “unprecedented” and is urging the judge to deny the former president’s request.
In response to Trump’s motion, Bragg’s office, led by senior counsel Matthew Colangelo, filed a 44-page document stating that Trump’s filing “reads more like a press release than a legal filing.” Colangelo also highlighted that Trump’s request to exclude Cohen’s testimony is “obviously unsupportable.”
Trump is currently facing allegations of falsifying records at the Trump Organization to cover up payments made to Cohen in 2017. Bragg’s office asserts that Cohen was paid hush money to keep former model Karen McDougal and porn star Stormy Daniels quiet about their alleged affairs with Trump during the 2016 campaign.
Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, argued in a court filing that the people should be prevented from encouraging Cohen’s perjury, citing his previous perjury at a civil trial involving Trump. However, Bragg’s office countered that Trump’s counsel will have the opportunity to cross-examine Cohen and challenge his credibility during the trial.
Furthermore, Bragg’s office emphasized that Cohen will testify about his past false statements under oath, but argued that this alone is not sufficient grounds to prevent him from testifying in a new proceeding.
Separately, Trump’s lawyers are also contesting Bragg’s request for a gag order against the former president, which would prohibit him from making negative public remarks about potential witnesses and court staff involved in the case.
Jury selection for the hush money trial is scheduled to commence later this month, and Trump will be required to attend the weeks-long trial as he continues his campaign for a second term in office. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan has yet to make a decision regarding Trump’s attempts to block Cohen’s testimony and the gag order. However, Trump has previously been unsuccessful in countering gag orders in his separate civil cases in New York.
Why does Alvin Bragg disagree with the argument put forth by Trump’s legal team regarding attorney-client privilege?
To the court filing, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg released a statement condemning Trump’s attempt to bar Michael Cohen from testifying at his hush money trial. Bragg expressed his disagreement with Trump’s argument, labeling it as “unprecedented” and lacking legal grounds. He emphasized the importance of upholding justice and the rule of law, urging the judge to deny Trump’s request.
Bragg’s strong words come in the midst of ongoing legal battles surrounding the hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal during Trump’s presidential campaign. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, has been at the center of these controversies and has already served time in federal prison for his involvement in the illegal payments.
Cohen has recently expressed his willingness to testify and provide evidence against Trump in the hush money trial. However, the former president’s legal team filed a motion seeking to prevent Cohen from testifying, claiming that any testimony from him would violate attorney-client privilege. They argue that Cohen’s involvement in the payments was solely as Trump’s lawyer, and therefore, his testimony should not be admissible in court.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg strongly disagrees with this argument put forth by Trump’s team. In his statement, Bragg emphasizes that attorney-client privilege cannot be used as a shield to prevent the truth from coming out or to obstruct justice. He asserts that if Cohen possesses relevant information about the hush money payments, it is crucial for the investigation and the pursuit of justice that he be allowed to testify.
Bragg also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in public office. He argues that allowing Trump to bar Cohen from testifying would set a dangerous precedent and could erode the public’s trust in the judicial system. The Manhattan District Attorney calls upon the judge to reject the former president’s request and to prioritize the pursuit of truth and justice.
The outcome of this court battle has significant implications for both Trump and the legal system as a whole. If the judge rules in favor of Trump’s motion, it could limit the ability of prosecutors to obtain crucial testimony in similar cases in the future. On the other hand, if Cohen is allowed to testify, it could potentially reveal additional evidence and shed light on the extent of Trump’s involvement in the hush money payments.
As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom. The outcome will not only shape the legacy of Trump’s presidency but also have broader ramifications for the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches. It remains to be seen how the court will rule and the impact it will have on future legal battles.
In conclusion, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has openly criticized Donald Trump’s attempt to prevent Michael Cohen from testifying at his hush money trial. Bragg has labeled Trump’s argument as “unprecedented” and lacking in legal footing. He urges the judge to deny the former president’s request, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice, accountability, and the rule of law. The court’s decision will have significant implications for both Trump and the broader legal landscape.
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