Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen said that indicting the former president is “justice” and “appointment,” but it is “terrible for America.”
Trump surrendered to Manhattan’s courthouse Tuesday afternoon. He was arraigned for charges related to an investigation by Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney, into an alleged financial violation committed by Trump’s presidential campaign.
The former president is now facing 34 counts of falsifying company records to cover a $130,000 reimbursement Cohen received from Stormy Daniels. The payment was made to Daniels in order to keep him quiet about an affair she claimed she had in 2006 with Trump.
Trump denied the affair and maintained innocence throughout the investigation. He even called on his supporters to protest the probe on social media. Trump pleaded not guilty and will appear in court in December to continue the case.
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal attorney, leaves his Manhattan apartment to go to prison on May 6, 2019. Cohen stated that indicting Trump’s former president is “justice” and “accountability”, but it is “terrible for America.”
Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
On Saturday, Katie Phang, MSNBC’s host, asked Cohen about his feelings at Trump’s arraignment.
“It’s fascinating because so many people contacted us…saying ‘this. [Trump’s arraignment] You must feel great. Finally, there is vindication. Cohen stated that he didn’t feel the same way. “I’m glad that Donald is now accountable, but it’s a very sad moment for America in that he’s been indicted for the first time in American history. It’s a terrible look for America, especially in the eyes of foreigners as well as our allies. It also shows weakness in our adversaries. I believe it’s terrible for America, but it is a good day to have justice and accountability.
New York prosecutors discovered that Cohen was reimbursed by The Trump Organization while investigating the case against Trump. Companies would be in violation of a New York state law, if they misclassify their expenses. Cohen testified before the grand jury for two days. He previously pleaded guilty after helping to arrange the payments. Daniels also spoke with New York prosecutors.
In the weeks leading up to Cohen’s indictment, Trump and Cohen had been exchanging criticism. Trump called Cohen a “SleazeBag Disbarred Lawyer” on Truth Social, one day after Cohen had testified before the Manhattan grand juries. The former president was invited to testify before this jury, but he declined.
Cohen stated last month that Trump must be indicted because he “needs” to be held responsible for his dirty acts if that’s how the facts play out.
Cohen stated, “Plain and Simple, this isn’t about him, it is about holding accountable, truth to power, and everything else between.”
Although Trump’s indictment was applauded by others who called for the former president to be held accountable, it did not sit well with MAGA Republicans, who remain his staunch supporters.
“The hatred of Donald Trump by the Democrats knows no bounds. This political persecution’s’substance’ is nothing but garbage. This is completely unprecedented, and it is a catastrophic escalated in the weaponization the justice system,” tweeted Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican following reports of the indictment.
The hatred of Donald Trump by the Democrats knows no boundaries. This political persecution is pure garbage.
This is an unprecedented act and a dangerous escalation of the weaponization in the justice system.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 30, 2023
Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert tweeted: “BREAKING! Trump has been indicted!” This is yet another political witch hunt against the President of the United States.
BREAKING: Trump has been indicted This is yet another political witch hunt against the President of the United States.
— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) March 30, 2023
Newsweek reached out to Trump’s media office via email for comment.
