Trump's Former 'Fixer' Michael Cohen Testifies in Hush Money Trial

Michael Cohen, former President Donald Trump’s former “fixer,” testified in Trump’s hush money trial in New York City on Monday.

Details: Cohen testified that he secretly recorded Trump in 2016 discussing a plan to pay the editor of the National Enquirer to purchase the rights to Playboy model Karen McDougal’s story about having an affair with Trump with the intention of burying the story and covering it up. Cohen outlined his responsibilities during his time working for Trump, which the New York Post (Lean Right bias) described as “lying and bullying others on [Trump’s] behalf.”

Key Quotes: Cohen testified that when Trump launched his 2016 presidential campaign, he told Cohen, “Just be prepared, there’s going to be a lot of women coming forward.”

Courtroom Drama: Multiple high-profile politicians, including Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and more, were present at the courthouse on Monday in support of Trump. Vance told reporters that he was there to address the topics Trump is prevented from speaking on due to his gag order. Vance stated, “The thing that the president is prevented from saying, which is a disgrace, is that every single person involved in this prosecution is practically a Democratic political operative.”

How the Media Covered It: While reporting on the politicians present at the courthouse, the Associated Press (Lean Left bias) noted that Vance was once a “harsh critic” of Trump, but is now “widely seen as a contender to be Trump’s vice presidential pick.”