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
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Your support makes all the difference.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.
“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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Mr Lynch is now questioning Cohen about the Trump Moscow tower project.
Cohen says the Trump Moscow tower project would have been the largest building in Europe.
Cohen says that he lied previously to protect the president. But: "I am not protecting the president anymore."
Cohen says he brought documentation to Congress to prove his claims, saying he does not want them to believe his word alone.
Mr Lynch says he does not think Republicans are concerned that he will lie again.
They're not "afraid you're going to lie. They are afraid you're going to tell the truth," Mr Lynch said.
Representative Jim Jordan is back up. He once again points out that Cohen is about to go to prison for lying to Congress.
Cohen says his lawyer is willing to wait three years to be compensation. Mr Jordan says he is amazed.
"I guess he thinks this is important," Cohen said.
Representative Paul Gosar, a Republican, is now up.
"Right in front of this committee you conflicted your testimony, sir. You're a pathological liar. You don't know truth from falsehood," he said.
Cohen notes that there is "a possibility" that he could receive a lighter sentence, but that he is not sure how his appearance before Congress today would help that out.
Representative Virginia Fox, a Republican, is asking Cohen if he can commit under oath that he has not sought a book or movie deal for his time working for the president.
Cohen says he has not spoken to anyone about a possible deal, and he has.
He refuses to do so, and said he will not commit to not running for office.
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