What's happened
Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to Donald Trump, has voluntarily gagged himself ahead of his expected testimony in the hush money trial involving the former president. Cohen announced on social media that he will cease posting about Trump until after his trial testimony, following a gag order imposed on Trump for attacking Cohen and others. This decision comes after a series of hostile exchanges between Cohen and Trump, with Cohen branding Trump with an unflattering nickname. Trump has repeatedly criticized Cohen's credibility, while Cohen has faced death threats and escalating tensions ahead of the trial.
Why it matters
The voluntary gagging of Michael Cohen ahead of the Trump hush money trial is significant as it demonstrates a level of respect for the legal process and may indicate a strategic move to maintain credibility during the trial. Cohen's decision to refrain from posting about Trump could impact the public perception of the trial and the individuals involved. The ongoing social media war between Cohen and Trump adds a layer of drama to the proceedings, potentially influencing public opinion and media coverage of the trial.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on Cohen's announcement of voluntarily gagging himself, citing his respect for the legal process and the ongoing tensions with Trump. Business Insider UK highlights Cohen's decision to stop talking about Trump until after his testimony, emphasizing his role in the hush-money trial and the legal implications. The Independent also covers Cohen's escalation of the social media war with Trump, including giving him an unflattering nickname, showcasing the contentious relationship between the two figures.
How we got here
Michael Cohen, once a close ally and personal attorney to Donald Trump, has been embroiled in legal battles and controversies following his association with the former president. The hush money trial involving Trump and Cohen centers on allegations of falsifying business records to cover payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. Cohen's decision to gag himself comes amidst a backdrop of animosity between him and Trump, with both parties engaging in public attacks on each other's credibility.
Common question
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Michael Dean Cohen is an American disbarred lawyer who served as an attorney for U.S. President Donald Trump from 2006–2018. Cohen was a vice-president of The Trump Organization, and the personal counsel to Trump, and was often described by media as Tru