Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) made his disapproval of Michael Cohen clear outside a New York courtroom where Cohen, formerly associated with ex-President Trump, testified in a hush money trial.
Addressing reporters outside the courthouse, Vance aimed to cast doubt on Cohen’s reliability as a witness. Cohen, known for his $130,000 payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels in 2016, a pivotal aspect of the trial, was expected to be a key witness for the prosecution.
Vance raised concerns about Cohen’s credibility, pointing to his past conviction and admission of secretly recording his former boss, supposedly to aid Trump. He suggested that Cohen’s testimony might not sway reasonable jurors.
Joined by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Vance voiced solidarity with Trump and criticized the gag order imposed on him. He accused those involved in the trial of being Democratic operatives, expressing his belief that American democracy was under threat.
After attending the trial, Vance took to social media to express his view that the trial’s main goal was psychological torture.
Tuberville echoed Vance’s sentiments, describing the atmosphere inside the courtroom as “depressing” during his remarks to the press.
The trial focuses on Trump’s alleged manipulation of business records related to Cohen’s payment to Daniels before the 2016 election, aimed at silencing her about an alleged affair with Trump. Trump maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges and consistently denying the affair accusation.