Michael Cohen recounts Donald Trump called Karen McDougal 'really beautiful' before killing their affair story

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Michael Cohen, once the personal attorney and "fixer" for former President Donald Trump, took the stand in the hush money trial as the prosecution’s star witness on Monday, May 13.

The case involves Trump’s alleged falsification of 34 business records and paying hush money to former adult actress, Stormy Daniels, during his 2016 candidacy.

Donald Trump ordered Michael Cohen to 'make sure' Karen McDougal's story doesn't become public

On Monday the testimony also revolved around ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal, who had a story to share about her affair with Trump in 2016.

Cohen testified that he “immediately” brought the matter to Trump’s attention after he heard about it fearing its “significant” potential impact on his campaign.

Upon asking Trump if he knew who Karen McDougal was, Cohen quoted Trump’s response as "She’s really beautiful."

Despite the compliment, Cohen warned Trump about the story being "shopped" around. Trump’s directive to Cohen was to “make sure it doesn’t get released," NBC News reported. 

How did Michael Cohen work out a deal to kill the story?

In response to Trump’s directive, Cohen reached out to David Pecker and Dylan Howard, then publisher and editor at the National Enquirer, respectively.

Cohen testified that Pecker assured Trump, “We have this under control and we’ll take care of this.”

He further said Pecker stated that it would cost $150,000 "to control the story," to which Trump replied, "No problem; I'll take care of it."

Pecker assured Cohen that the deal was “bulletproof” and that “the story has been effectively caught.” Upon hearing this, Trump’s reaction was, “Fantastic. Great job.”

Michael Cohen testifies David Pecker was 'very' upset over not being reimbursed by Donald Trump

Cohen believed Trump intended to reimburse American Media Inc, the Enquirer’s parent company, but Trump did not pay anything.

Cohen testified that Pecker was “very” upset and angry about the money, but Trump assured Cohen that he would “take care of it.”

“He wanted the $150,000 back, because it was too much money for him to hide from the CEO of the parent company, and he had also just laid out $30,000 previous,” Cohen said, referring to the money paid to the Trump Tower doorman.

“So he was putting pressure on me — speak to Mr Trump to get the money back," Cohen testified. 

He said the fact he wasn’t paid back the $150,000 McDougal payment and also fronted the cost of the doorman’s payout played a key role in refusing to make Stormy Daniels' $130,000 payment on Trump’s behalf.

Michael Cohen: A man who was ready to take a bullet on Donald Trump's behalf 

Cohen is the person who once said, "I'm the guy who would take a bullet for the president," according to ABC News. 

He was arrested by the FBI after their 2018 raids. He pleaded guilty to eight counts, including criminal tax evasion and campaign finance violations, as per the United States Attorney's Office.

Cohen cooperated with federal investigators and, ultimately, with the New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

However, it is argued Trump, who was still president at the time, did not pardon him hence making their relationship bitter.

His three-year prison sentence was mostly spent in home confinement, as per AP News.

“I will continue to provide information, testimony, documents and my full cooperation on all ongoing investigations to ensure that others are held responsible for their dirty deeds and that no one is ever believed to be above the law,” Cohen said at the time.

Internet reacts to Michael Cohen's testimony 

Netizens have mixed reactions to Cohen's testimony with one user on X writing, "Amazing what you can do and hide when you have money."

"Come on Trump is guilty case closed!" wrote another. "I think the majority of us believe that Trump will never go to jail. He put too many people in important positions while president to cover his crimes later," wrote one more.

"Michael Cohen should be in prison and Donald Trump should be out campaigning," opined another individual.

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