Michael Cohen Admits to Stealing from Trump Organization while Recouping Stormy Daniels’ Hush Money

Michael Cohen, former attorney and “fixer” for Donald Trump, confessed to “stealing” tens of thousands of dollars from the Trump Organization. This was part of a reimbursement plan with Trump to recover $130,000 spent on hushing Stormy Daniels in 2016.

Cohen, under cross-examination on Monday, revealed he pocketed $60,000 from Trump by inflating the amount paid to a tech company. This company manipulated online opinion polls in Trump’s favor. Cohen termed the extra money as “self help,” a seemingly desperate attempt to extract more from Trump after being upset over a smaller annual bonus.

The reimbursements to Cohen, paid in monthly $35,000 installments in 2017, totaled $420,000. Cohen also billed the Trump Organization $50,000 for money owed to the tech firm, Red Finch. He admitted to only paying $20,000 in cash to Red Finch, still owing them $30,000.

Defense attorney Todd Blanche questioned Cohen, “You stole from the Trump Organization?” Cohen affirmed, “Yes, sir.” Blanche also asked if Cohen had pleaded guilty to larceny or repaid the “stolen” money. Cohen had not.

Red Finch was hired to boost Trump’s numbers in a poll of “the most famous businessmen in the last century.” Trump, initially polling at the bottom, was upset. Red Finch then created an algorithm to elevate Trump’s position in the poll.

Cohen and Trump Organization comptroller Jeffrey McConney testified that they, along with CFO Allen Weisselberg, agreed to reimburse Cohen. This was after he wired $130,000 to Daniels to ensure her silence about an alleged 2006 encounter with Trump. The reimbursements included $130,000 for Daniels, $50,000 for Red Finch, a $60,000 bonus, and $180,000 for taxes.

Cohen was angered by a reduced Christmas bonus in 2016. He wanted Trump to rectify it, especially after paying Daniels from his own funds.

Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to approved invoices and checks to Cohen in 2017. These were for “legal expenses” and a “retainer” that prosecutors claim never existed. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

Source