Michael Cohen’s lawyer, Danya Perry, argued Tuesday during closing arguments in the trial against former President Donald Trump that she believes Cohen has “reached a turning point” and mocked her client’s “Persona” podcast on CNN.
Perry appeared on Anderson Cooper 360 to discuss Cohen, who became the prosecution’s star witness in the case against Trump for allegedly falsifying business records. During the interview, the CNN co-host asked Perry about a “signature moment” in Cohen’s testimony in which he “directly” addressed the jury, and whether it was something he had rehearsed in preparation. (Related: Bragg’s team, with the judge’s approval, argued in lengthy closing arguments that unproven claims Trump violated federal law.)
“Well, thanks for pointing that out,” Perry began. “Mr. Anderson, thanks for pointing out his demeanor on the stand. You’re right, this is not the same Michael Cohen. We all know that. But he certainly spent a lot of time preparing.”
Perry went on to describe Cohen’s demeanor on the stand, saying Trump’s former lawyer has changed since the past and noting that he has repeatedly criticized Trump on his podcast. As Perry was describing the moment Trump’s lawyers played the video footage to the jury, CNN host Anderson Cooper chimed in, saying “crazy,” which made her laugh.
“But this was really heartfelt,” Perry said. “I think he’s definitely hit a turning point. This is a different Michael Cohen than the Michael Cohen that we’ve heard on the recording and the demeanor that he sometimes exhibits on the podcast. There were moments where Michael was very calm and low-key, and there were moments where Todd Blanche flashed a moment from the podcast.”
“Oh man, I was there. It was crazy. I wasn’t listening to the podcast. [and] “I was like, ‘Oh my God,'” Cooper said.
“But that’s the persona. You know, he takes on the drama. You and I have been on his podcast,” Perry responded. “He is an entertainer in a way, but he’s not. The Michael Cohen that showed up in court is the Michael Cohen that had a change of heart, that decided to put his justice hat on and do what he thinks is right even if it puts himself and his family at risk.”
During the trial, prosecutors tried to rely on Cohen’s testimony, alleging that Trump directed secret payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and planned to falsify business records to repay him. But the defense detailed to the jury how Cohen lied in a deposition and played a clip from Cohen’s podcast, “Mea Culpa,” in which he celebrated Trump going to prison. according to To Politico.
