Ex-Trump Staffers Claim Cohen Lied in Hush-Money Testimony

Two former aides to President Donald Trump have accused ex-Trump attorney Michael Cohen of lying under oath during his recent testimony in the Manhattan hush-money trial. Cohen, who spent two days testifying against Trump, claimed he had never wanted a position in the Trump White House—a statement that has been vehemently disputed by former Trump campaign and White House officials.

Accusations of False Testimony

Bryan Lanza, former deputy communications director for the Trump-Pence campaign, directly challenged Cohen's testimony. Speaking with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Lanza asserted that Cohen had been very clear about his aspirations for a significant role in the Trump administration. "Michael Cohen was pretty adamant that he wanted to be White House counsel," Lanza stated. He added that Cohen often involved himself in areas highly visible to Trump, such as media appearances, to position himself favorably for a White House job.

Alyssa Farah Griffin, who served as White House Communications Director, corroborated Lanza's claims. During a later CNN segment, Griffin shared that while she hadn't personally heard Cohen express his ambitions, it was widely known among Republican lawmakers and insiders. "It was widely discussed that he was angling for Attorney General or to be White House counsel," Griffin noted. She expressed shock at Cohen's denial in court, emphasizing that many in Washington could substantiate his desires.

Legal Implications

Despite these assertions, CNN legal analyst Elie Honig pointed out that Cohen’s testimony, while possibly misleading, did not meet the stringent criteria for perjury. Honig described Cohen's statements as "wishy-washy," suggesting they lacked the definitive falsehood necessary for a perjury charge.

Griffin, although skeptical of Cohen's credibility, indicated she was hopeful for Trump’s conviction based on the broader evidence. However, she admitted that Cohen’s testimony alone would not be sufficient for her to render a guilty verdict.

Context of the Trial

Cohen's testimony is a critical component of the Manhattan hush-money trial, which revolves around payments made to silence allegations against Trump. The trial's outcome could have significant implications for Trump’s political future, as he campaigns for re-election.

Conclusion

As the trial progresses, the conflicting testimonies and accusations underscore the contentious nature of the case. The credibility of key witnesses like Cohen will be pivotal in determining the trial's outcome. Share this article to keep others informed about the ongoing legal battle and consider subscribing to our newsletter for further updates on this high-stakes case.