Ex-lawyer says Trump denied paying Stormy Daniels.
A lawyer who formerly advised Michael Cohen has claimed that the ex-Trump attorney stated that the former president was not involved in a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. According to Robert Costello, an attorney who advised Cohen after he faced federal charges in 2018, Cohen took care of the arrangement himself, asserting that Trump had no part in it.
Costello testified before the House Weaponization Committee on Capitol Hill during the same week Cohen has been providing testimony against Trump in a Manhattan courtroom. He revealed that he is able to discuss his interactions with Cohen because he waived the attorney-client privilege and the duty of loyalty a lawyer owes to a client.
Costello also testified before the grand jury for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case against Trump, providing insights into his conversations with Cohen. He recounted a pivotal moment in 2018 when Cohen, feeling desperate after being indicted, sought advice from him. Costello informed Cohen that the U.S. Attorney’s Office may have incriminating evidence that could implicate Trump, suggesting that cooperation could alleviate Cohen’s legal troubles.
During their interactions, Costello emphasized the importance of truthful information that could implicate Trump. Cohen repeatedly reassured Costello that he had no incriminating evidence against Trump, expressing his fear of imprisonment and even contemplating suicide. Costello urged Cohen to consider cooperating with the authorities rather than taking extreme measures.
Costello’s testimony also touched on Cohen’s involvement in a non-disclosure agreement with Stormy Daniels, wherein Cohen took it upon himself to handle the situation to prevent any potential embarrassment for Trump and his family. Cohen, driven by his aspirations to work in the Trump administration post-2016 election, negotiated the settlement with Daniels without Trump’s knowledge.
Despite Cohen’s claims during Trump’s trial that he personally funded the payments to Daniels, Costello revealed that Cohen mentioned getting reimbursed for the amount. Amid all the revelations, Costello reiterated that Cohen consistently asserted he had no truthful information to implicate Trump, casting doubt on Cohen’s credibility.
Costello strongly emphasized that Cohen’s current actions stem from a desire for revenge against Trump, attributing Cohen’s lies to self-serving motives. He accused Cohen of deceit and highlighted the inconsistencies in Cohen’s statements regarding his knowledge of Trump’s involvement in the payments to Daniels.
Costello’s testimony sheds light on the complex dynamics between Cohen and Trump, revealing the intricacies of the hush payment scandal that has ensnared both individuals. As Cohen continues his testimony, the truth behind the allegations and motives of those involved remains a focal point in the ongoing legal saga.
