Donald Trump Says Michael Cohen Has Recanted Hush Money Testimony

President Donald Trump asserted on Friday that his ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, had recanted his testimony regarding the New York hush money case where Trump was convicted of 34 felonies. Cohen was a prominent prosecution witness and previously represented Trump, facilitating a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election.

The payment aided in securing Trump's conviction. Trump claimed on Truth Social that Cohen was pressured and coerced into testifying during the court proceedings, for which he now regrets. Trump emphasized that this courageous act showcased the strength of the New York City and State justice system. He called for the immediate termination and dismissal of any remnants of politically weaponized cases against him.

Newsweek attempted to reach Cohen via phone for comment on Friday afternoon. Earlier, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had charged Trump with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, alleging that a $130,000 payment made by Trump's former lawyer and fixer Cohen to Daniels before the 2016 election was later reimbursed through deceptive business transactions.

Prosecutors argued that the records were falsified to conceal the payment's true purpose and prevent damaging allegations during the campaign's final weeks. Cohen served as the central witness for prosecutors, testifying about arranging the payment and later being reimbursed by Trump. The prosecution placed significant reliance on his testimony, alongside documentary evidence and other witness testimonies, including from former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker.

Trump's defense argued that Cohen was not credible due to his previous guilty plea and his role as a vocal critic of Trump. The defense contended that Trump did not commit the alleged crimes and that Cohen could not be trusted.