Trump cites CNN analyst Elie Honig in hush money trial defense, Internet says 'now he believes the media'
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a stunning reversal, former President Donald Trump found himself in the unprecedented position of citing a CNN legal analyst to support his defense during the high-stakes hush money trial unfolding in New York, as reported by The Hill.
Facing a series of felony charges, the embattled ex-leader, known for his harsh attacks on the mainstream media, seized upon remarks from Elie Honig, a senior analyst for the network he had repeatedly decried as "fake news."
Trump cites CNN's legal analyst Elie Honig to support his defense in hush money trial
Speaking to reporters after a day in court, Trump cited several mainstream news outlets and their analysts who had questioned the case against him, highlighting Honig's comments in particular.
"It was a very interesting day, it was a fascinating day, and it shows what a scam this whole thing is. And I think that seems to be the way everyone … even CNN and [MSNBC] … they have quotes over here," Trump remarked, waving a bunch of documents in his hand.
He continued, "Throughout the trial, Elie Honig, this is a statement he just made … 'Would not have even charged this case.'"
Honig, a former federal and state prosecutor, had raised concerns regarding Michael Cohen, Trump's former fixer and attorney, who served as the prosecution's key witness.
During CNN's recent live coverage of the hush money trial, Honig stated, "I don't think I've never seen a star cooperating witness get his knees chopped out quite as clearly and dramatically as what just happened with Michael Cohen."
Honig had earlier pointed out that Cohen’s obvious disdain for Trump might benefit Trump’s legal team.
"The fact that Michael Cohen so obviously and over the top is consumed by hatred for Donald Trump, and wants him in prison, is celebrating and is selling T-shirts is outrageous," he explained.
"We sort of take it for granted because this has just been Michael Cohen‘s public persona for the last five, six years. This should be a bonanza for cross-examination," Honig further added.
CNN’s Anderson Cooper also weighed in on the cross-examination, suggesting it had significantly damaged Cohen’s credibility.
"If I was a juror in this case watching that, I would think, 'This guy's making this up as he's going along,' or 'he's making this particular story up,'" Cooper expressed.
Trump's surprising endorsement of CNN commentary sparks online trolling
The internet wasted no time in trolling Trump for his abrupt approval of CNN's commentary. One Facebook user said, "Now he believes the media," while another remarked, "Donnie will run his mouth anywhere but inside a courtroom for some reason."
A user wrote, "Well, if he wants to go by what CNN says, he's definitely guilty of a few things."
Another commented, "Desperate Donny." A user noted, "He’s showing his dementia ~ today CNN is credible? After years of him saying they’re fake news?"
A user wrote, "Sorry pal, it's a done deal. Perhaps if you could have stayed awake you might have seen all the paper evidence." Another user challenged, "Take the stand and set the record straight then ... you won't because you are all smoke."
A user summarized, "Trump to CNN: You are fake news. Also Trump: CNN has vindicated me."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
