'Never-ending soap opera': Internet outraged as Trump accuses Michael Cohen of 'lying' after opening statements in hush money trial

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Former President Donald Trump argued his attorney-turned-critic Michael Cohen was "lying" about the hush money payment he allegedly made to Stormy Daniels, The Hill reported.

"When are they going to look at all the lies that Cohen did in the last trial? He got caught lying. Pure lying. And when are they going to look at that," the 2024 GOP presumptive nominee asked reporters at the Manhattan courthouse, after the opening arguments in the historic hush money trial on Monday, April 22.

Trump issued the latest criticisms against Cohen during the trial, despite a gag order in place that barred him from publicly commenting on potential key witnesses.

The defense and prosecution presented their opening statements in front of Justice Juan Merchan and the 12-member jury panel. The first witness, David Pecker, former CEO of American Media, then took the stand to testify.

Trump's attorney says Micahel Cohen is obsessed

During the opening arguments in the hush money case, Todd Blanche denounced Cohen and his accusations against the former president.

Citing the ex-Trump fixer's podcast and other public remarks, the attorney said he was "obsessed with President Trump, even to this day," according to CNN. "He has a goal, an obsession with getting President Trump," Blanche said, adding, "he cannot be trusted."

Cohen, who worked as Trump's attorney for over a decade till 2018, was involved in the hush money payment made to adult film actress Daniels during the 2016 presidential election campaign to conceal the ex-president's sexual encounter with her.

The White House hopeful has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the 34 felony charges for allegedly falsifying business records to cover up the $130,000 payment to silence the actress.

In 2018, Cohen, a potential witness in the case, pleaded guilty to campaign law violations for facilitating the hush money payments. He received a three-year prison sentence but was released after serving over a year.

It remains unclear if Trump's latest public accusations against his former attorney violate the gag order. The court will hear if the real estate mogul defied the order on Tuesday, April 23, in relation to his recent social media posts attacking key witnesses.

Internet reacts to Trump's accusation against Cohen

Netizens, outraged by Trump's accusations against Cohen, reminded him that Cohen went to jail on his behalf.

One user wrote, "It’s time to call Trump’s bluff. Throw him in jail for a day or two, and tell him with each infraction his jail time will be increased." Meanwhile, another remarked, "Enough already. Judge Merchan needs to throw him in jail."

"Cohen was lying to protect you in the beginning, got that!" a user added. Another response read, "I can't believe Trump is still fixated on Cohen. It's like a never-ending soap opera with these two. Just let it go already."

Another said, "Inside the courthouse, Trump flagrantly violates the gag order again. His contempt of court hearing is tomorrow. Trump thinks he is above the law and everyone is afraid to jail him."

"He lied because Donald Trump ordered him to lie. You have to be a liar or you can't work for him," someone else argued.

An individual wrote, "Isn't this #witnessintimidation? When will the gag order apply? This is ridiculous."

Another person added, "He knows Cohen went to jail, because he said it. Just bananas." [sic]

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.