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Trump Trial Derailed, Dems In Shock

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Trump just got a major legal win.

Legal analysts suggest that Michael Cohen, slated as a key witness in the New York versus Trump case, may have jeopardized the prosecution’s stance prior to testifying. Cohen’s recent TikTok tirade, coupled with fundraising efforts, has raised concerns among legal observers.

According to former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew McCarthy, this development poses a significant setback for prosecutors. McCarthy highlights that while Cohen’s credibility remains questionable due to his history as a convicted perjurer and fraudster, his outspokenness undermines the prosecution’s position. Cohen’s defense strategy, which revolves around disavowing his prior guilty pleas, further complicates the situation.

In a Sunday article, ABC News highlighted concerns over Michael Cohen’s actions, suggesting they “could be a problem.” Cohen has engaged in commentary on former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker’s testimony, consistently criticized Trump, dismissed jury disinterest, and encouraged followers to support him through gifts.

According to ABC News, TikTok enables viewers to donate “gifts” during livestreams, which can be exchanged for money or virtual items, as per the platform’s website.

McCarthy remarked that the situation presents a challenge for prosecutors since they relied on a witness with a history of misconduct and strong biases. Predictably, Cohen’s behavior aligns with his past actions, posing ongoing difficulties for the prosecution.

Michael Avenatti, once considered Donald Trump’s “most dangerous enemy” by liberals who anticipated he would dismantle Trump’s presidency, now fears that Cohen’s involvement could jeopardize the entire case.

Avenatti expressed his concern to Fox News Digital from federal prison, suggesting that Michael Cohen’s narcissism and ego might have single-handedly sabotaged the case against Trump.

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Avenatti warned against underestimating Cohen’s potential to derail proceedings due to his ignorance and arrogance, likening him to being “dumber than a box of rocks.” He emphasized that the state’s case relies heavily on Cohen’s testimony, but his recent actions, such as reviewing trial testimony in defiance of court orders and publicly discussing other witnesses’ testimony, could compel the court to disqualify him as a witness, necessitate a mistrial, or both.

Avenatti highlighted that Cohen shouldn’t even be exposed to or aware of such testimony before his own testimony is given.

“In my opinion, Alvin Bragg and his team have a lot of explaining to do,” remarked Avenatti.

Cornell Law School professor William A. Jacobson noted that Michael Cohen’s behavior on TikTok compounds an already extensive list of conflicts of interest concerning Donald Trump. These conflicts cast doubt on Cohen’s impartiality and truthfulness. Jacobson emphasized that profiting from the trial introduces yet another conflict, which could potentially impact the jury’s perception. While it’s uncertain whether this will be the tipping point for the jury, it undoubtedly provides material for cross-examination.

Former Georgia prosecutor Chris Timmons expressed strong dissatisfaction with Cohen’s actions, stating that as a prosecutor, it’s highly undesirable for a witness to discuss the case outside of the courtroom. Timmons conveyed his frustration to ABC News.

Defense attorney Jeremy Saland, formerly with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, told ABC News that Trump’s legal team could exploit Cohen’s behavior to undermine his credibility.

ABC News reported that despite stating he wouldn’t discuss the trial, Cohen engaged with thousands of viewers on his TikTok account, briefly touching on Trump and the ongoing proceedings. In response to ABC News’ coverage, Cohen criticized the report on X, dismissing it as a “non-story” and urging executives to intervene, using the hashtag “BoycottABC.”

Simultaneously, Judge Juan Merchan imposed a $9,000 fine on Trump Tuesday morning for breaching a gag order prohibiting him from publicly discussing witnesses and family members of court officials.