Watch Michael Cohen's explosive opening statement to Congress
Michael Cohen in an explosive opening statement before Congress on Wednesday accused President Trump of being a "racist," a "conman," and a "cheat" who reimbursed him for hush money payments while in office.
Cohen's testimony before the House Oversight Committee began with his reading of a lengthy statement, which included numerous stunning allegations against Trump. He alleged that Trump was fully aware that WikiLeaks would release hacked Democratic National Committee emails beforehand because he spoke with Roger Stone over the phone about it. Cohen also alleged that Trump sent him checks while president to reimburse him for hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels, and that Trump "wanted" him to lie to Congress about the building of a Trump Tower in Moscow, although he didn't "directly" tell him to do so.
Cohen became emotional at several points during his testimony, at one point seeming on the verge of tears while telling his family that "there is nothing I wouldn't do to protect you" and telling his parents "I am sorry that I let you down." Watch the full statement below. Brendan Morrow
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Labor secretary’s husband barred amid assault probeSpeed Read Shawn DeRemer, the husband of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, has been accused of sexual assault
-
Trump touts pledges at 1st Board of Peace meetingSpeed Read At the inaugural meeting, the president announced nine countries have agreed to pledge a combined $7 billion for a Gaza relief package
-
Britain’s ex-Prince Andrew arrested over Epstein tiesSpeed Read The younger brother of King Charles III has not yet been charged
-
Labor secretary’s husband barred amid assault probe
Speed Read Shawn DeRemer, the husband of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, has been accused of sexual assault
-
Trump touts pledges at 1st Board of Peace meeting
Speed Read At the inaugural meeting, the president announced nine countries have agreed to pledge a combined $7 billion for a Gaza relief package
-
NIH director Bhattacharya tapped as acting CDC headSpeed Read Jay Bhattacharya, a critic of the CDC’s Covid-19 response, will now lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
-
Witkoff and Kushner tackle Ukraine, Iran in GenevaSpeed Read Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held negotiations aimed at securing a nuclear deal with Iran and an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine
-
Pentagon spokesperson forced out as DHS’s resignsSpeed Read Senior military adviser Col. David Butler was fired by Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin is resigning
-
Judge orders Washington slavery exhibit restoredSpeed Read The Trump administration took down displays about slavery at the President’s House Site in Philadelphia
-
Hyatt chair joins growing list of Epstein files losersSpeed Read Thomas Pritzker stepped down as executive chair of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation over his ties with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell
-
Judge blocks Hegseth from punishing Kelly over videoSpeed Read Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed for the senator to be demoted over a video in which he reminds military officials they should refuse illegal orders
