(CNN) Former President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, testified Wednesday afternoon before a New York grand jury in connection with the trial. An investigation into the silent payments designed for adult film star Stormy Daniels.
It’s not a question of vindication. It’s not a question, as I’ve said before, of revenge… My position is that at the end of the day, Donald Trump should be held accountable for his dirty deeds, if that’s in fact what he’s doing,” Cohen said. Correspondents after he concluded his testimony. The facts were revealed. »
Cohen testified “for a few hours” Wednesday about three hours after he testified on Monday, according to his attorney, Lanny Davis. When he arrived to testify earlier Wednesday, Cohen told reporters it would be the last time “we hope” he will appear before a grand jury.
The testimony of a single Trump official comes as the investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office reaches a critical point, with prosecutors calling on the former president last week to testify as part of the investigation. The invitation is the clearest indication yet that prosecutors are intent on an unprecedented decision to indict a former president, as the law requires potential defendants in New York to be notified and called to appear before a grand jury hearing the charges.
Cohen was a major player in the silent money system. He facilitated the payments, days before the 2016 presidential election, and was compensated by the Trump Organization to pay Daniels. Cohen pleaded guilty to nine federal charges, including campaign finance violations, and was sentenced to three years in prison.
Manhattan Attorney General Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, is investigating Trump’s role in the payments. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, as well as the relationship with Daniels.
Trump attorney Joe Tacopina told CNN that the former president will not appear before a grand jury.
Daniels meets with the plaintiffs
Meanwhile, Daniels met with prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorney’s office on Wednesday, according to A.J. Loudspeaker Her lawyer sent her.
“Stormie responded to questions and agreed to be available as a witness or for further investigation if required,” said attorney Clark Brewster.
This story has been updated with additional details.
CNN’s Jelly Remin, Kara Scannell and Devan Kaul contributed to this report.
