Days before his 2017 inauguration, Donald Trump met with Michael Cohen to settle a $420,000 debt at Trump Tower. This encounter is central to Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan, where Cohen claims he paid off a porn star at Trump’s request and that they agreed to disguise the repayment as legal expenses. Trump denies Cohen’s allegations. Allen Weisselberg, Trump’s longtime financial officer, was allegedly present but has not testified, raising questions about his role and knowledge.
Prosecutors chose not to call Weisselberg, who is serving time for perjury in an unrelated case and has been loyal to Trump. The defense also did not summon him or Trump to testify, emphasizing the trial’s reliance on Cohen’s credibility. In closing arguments, Trump’s lawyers are expected to highlight Weisselberg’s absence as a crucial gap in the prosecution’s case, suggesting the case rests heavily on Cohen’s disputed testimony. The New York Times’ investigation reveals Weisselberg’s deep involvement in Trump’s financial dealings and his choice of loyalty and financial gain over personal freedom.
