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Trump dealt double blow as Manafort convicted on eight counts and Cohen pleads guilty – live Trump dealt double blow as Manafort convicted on eight counts and Cohen pleads guilty – live
(35 minutes later)
CNN’s chief White House correspondent has a little on how the Trump family is reacting to the day’s news at the president’s campaign rally in West Virginia:
Lara Trump at Trump rally attacks Russia investigation saying it makes her angry: “it should make you angry too.”
Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, says there is nothing in Cohen’s admissions that represent an allegation of wrongdoing against the president.
According to Reuters, Cohen’s lawyer, Lanny Davis, said his client testified under oath that Trump directed him to commit a crime.
Today, he (Cohen) stood up and testified under oath that Donald Trump directed him to commit a crime by making payments to two women for the principal purpose of influencing an election.
If those payments were a crime for Michael Cohen, then why wouldn’t they be a crime for Donald Trump?
Davis said Cohen agreed to plead guilty “so that his family can move on to the next chapter”, Reuters reported.
Cohen entered the courtroom on the 20th floor of the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan at 4:03pm and sat at a table with his attorneys. He turned and winked at someone in the crowd. He reviewed a series of documents and shook his head repeatedly as he looked them over.
The judge, William Pawley, asked a series of questions to establish his competence. Asked his age, Cohen said: “in four days I’ll be 52.” Asked if he had any drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours, said yes: “last night at dinner I had a glass of Glenlivet 12 on the rocks.”
Asked if he wanted to enter a plea of guilty, Cohen said: “yes sir.”
It was explained to Cohen that, if sentenced consecutively, he faced a total of up to 65 years and that any estimate of how much time he would get from his attorney might be inaccurate. Cohen said: “No estimate was given to me your Honor.”
Cohen was asked to describe what he did with regard to each crime. On the first five counts, he said: “I evaded paying substantial taxes” on income he knew was omitted from his tax returns.
On count six, he said that, in order to get approved for a home equity line of credit, he signed an application that omitted some of his liabilities.
On count seven, the illegal corporate contribution, he said that, in the summer of 2016 – in coordination with and “at the request of” a candidate for federal office, in order “to keep an individual with information that would be harmful to the candidate and the campaign from publicly disclosing this information,” he arranged a payment through a media company of which he was the chief executive.
“She received compensation of $150,000.” This was done “for the principle purpose of influencing the election”.
On count eight – the illegal excessive campaign contribution – he said that, in coordination with the candidate, he “arranged to make a payment to a second individual with information that would be harmful to the candidate and the campaign”. He said he used a company under his control and paid $130,000. These funds “were later repaid to me by the candidate”.
This was done “for the principle purpose of influencing the election”.
Asked if he knew these actions were illegal and wrong when he took them, Cohen said: “Yes your Honor.”
The assistant US attorney, Andrea Griswold, reviewed what would have been the government’s case.
On tax evasion, she said Cohen failed to report more than $4m (£3.1m) in income.
On illegal contributions: “These payments were made in order to ensure that each recipient did not publicise their stories” about “alleged affairs with the candidate”.
She said the government had texts, phone and email records, and statements from the individuals involved as evidence.
Asked how he now pleaded, Cohen said: “Guilty, your Honor.”
He was released on a $500,000 personal recognisance bond to be signed by his wife and one other person. His travel was restricted to parts of the states of New York, New Jersey and Illinois, as well as the city of Washington DC. He agreed to surrender his passport. Sentencing was set for 12 December this year.
After the hearing, Cohen left in a car with his attorneys as some bystanders shouted, “lock him up!”
Echoing the comments of his client somewhat, Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani claims the government’s charges against Michael Cohen contain “no allegation of any wrongdoing against the president”, Reuters reports.
Cohen has told a judge he acted at the direction of “the candidate”, acting for the “purpose of influencing the election”.
Cohen is Trump’s former personal lawyer and the US president has previously said Cohen represented him in the “crazy Stormy Daniels deal”.
Reuters reported that Giuliani said Cohen’s actions reflected a “pattern of lies and dishonesty” over a significant period of time.
Some more on the comments Trump made as he landed in West Virginia. He told reporters: “Paul Manafort’s a good man,” adding: “He was with Ronald Reagan, he was with a lot of people.”Some more on the comments Trump made as he landed in West Virginia. He told reporters: “Paul Manafort’s a good man,” adding: “He was with Ronald Reagan, he was with a lot of people.”
The US president portrayed the Manafort prosecution, which grew out of an FBI investigation predating the 2016 campaign, as an unnatural outgrowth of the investigation being carried out by special counsel Robert Mueller.The US president portrayed the Manafort prosecution, which grew out of an FBI investigation predating the 2016 campaign, as an unnatural outgrowth of the investigation being carried out by special counsel Robert Mueller.
“This has nothing to do with Russian collusion,” Trump said. “These are witch hunts and it’s a disgrace. This has nothing to do – it started out looking for Russians in our campaign and there were none.”“This has nothing to do with Russian collusion,” Trump said. “These are witch hunts and it’s a disgrace. This has nothing to do – it started out looking for Russians in our campaign and there were none.”
Standing on the windswept airport tarmac, he continued: “This is the way it ends up. It was not the original mission, believe me. It had nothing to do with Russian collusion, we continue the witch hunt.”Standing on the windswept airport tarmac, he continued: “This is the way it ends up. It was not the original mission, believe me. It had nothing to do with Russian collusion, we continue the witch hunt.”
He then walked off to the waiting car, ignoring shouts from reporters requesting comment on the Michael Cohen case.He then walked off to the waiting car, ignoring shouts from reporters requesting comment on the Michael Cohen case.
Donald Trump just spoke to reporters outside of Air Force One after landing in Charleston, West Virginia.Donald Trump just spoke to reporters outside of Air Force One after landing in Charleston, West Virginia.
He commented briefly on the Manafort guilty verdict, calling it “very sad” and noting that it had “ nothing to do” with Russian collusion.He commented briefly on the Manafort guilty verdict, calling it “very sad” and noting that it had “ nothing to do” with Russian collusion.
“We continue the witch hunt,” he said.“We continue the witch hunt,” he said.
He did not respond to questions about Cohen.He did not respond to questions about Cohen.
Just landed in West Virginia. Big crowd, looking forward to seeing everyone soon! #MAGAJust landed in West Virginia. Big crowd, looking forward to seeing everyone soon! #MAGA
The Guardian’s Erin Durkin has updates from the federal court in Manhattan.The Guardian’s Erin Durkin has updates from the federal court in Manhattan.
Cohen stood and plead guilty to charges, including that in October 2016, he, in coordination with “the candidate” arranged to make a payment to an “individual with information that would be harmful to the candidate and to the campaign.”Cohen stood and plead guilty to charges, including that in October 2016, he, in coordination with “the candidate” arranged to make a payment to an “individual with information that would be harmful to the candidate and to the campaign.”
Cohen said he used a company that was under his control to make the payment of $130,000 and those monies were later repaid to me by the candidate and that this was done “for the principal purpose of influencing the election.”Cohen said he used a company that was under his control to make the payment of $130,000 and those monies were later repaid to me by the candidate and that this was done “for the principal purpose of influencing the election.”
US attorney Robert Khuzami just addressed the press outside the New York courtroom where Cohen pleaded guilty.US attorney Robert Khuzami just addressed the press outside the New York courtroom where Cohen pleaded guilty.
Khuzami spoke extensively about one of the most shocking charges, which stems from a payment Cohen made to silence two women “that he believed would be detrimental” to a candidate in the 2016 presidential election. Khuzami said Cohen sought reimbursement for paying off the two woman by submitting invoices to the candidate’s company that were “untrue and false”.Khuzami spoke extensively about one of the most shocking charges, which stems from a payment Cohen made to silence two women “that he believed would be detrimental” to a candidate in the 2016 presidential election. Khuzami said Cohen sought reimbursement for paying off the two woman by submitting invoices to the candidate’s company that were “untrue and false”.
Khuzami ignored shouted questions from reporters asking who the candidate he referred to is.Khuzami ignored shouted questions from reporters asking who the candidate he referred to is.
Cohen is Trump’s former personal lawyer.Cohen is Trump’s former personal lawyer.
And Trump in April said Cohen represented him in the “crazy Stormy Daniels deal.” And Trump in April said Cohen represented him in the “crazy Stormy Daniels deal”.
Paul Manafort stood stonefaced as he was found guilty on eight counts of filing false tax returns and bank fraud.Paul Manafort stood stonefaced as he was found guilty on eight counts of filing false tax returns and bank fraud.
The jury deadlocked on the other ten counts of fraud that Manafort had been charged with.The jury deadlocked on the other ten counts of fraud that Manafort had been charged with.
The only visible emotion that Manafort, the former Trump campaign manager, displayed was when he winked at his wife Kathleen upon leaving the courtroom.The only visible emotion that Manafort, the former Trump campaign manager, displayed was when he winked at his wife Kathleen upon leaving the courtroom.
After the sentencing, federal judge TS Ellis III praised attorneys both for the government and for Manafort for their “effective and zealous representations.”After the sentencing, federal judge TS Ellis III praised attorneys both for the government and for Manafort for their “effective and zealous representations.”
This is only part of the scene outside the courthouse in Alexandria after the Manafort verdict. pic.twitter.com/V1FWqfgNsCThis is only part of the scene outside the courthouse in Alexandria after the Manafort verdict. pic.twitter.com/V1FWqfgNsC
Donald Trump is holding a rally in West Virginia tonight. He did not respond to shouted questions about Cohen, according to the pool report, but gave a thumbs up before boarding Air Force One to West Virginia.Donald Trump is holding a rally in West Virginia tonight. He did not respond to shouted questions about Cohen, according to the pool report, but gave a thumbs up before boarding Air Force One to West Virginia.
Trump's campaign chairman was convicted of charges that carry a max of 80 years in prison, and his longtime lawyer and fixer implicated him on a campaign finance charges. Today is easily the worst day of Trump's presidency.Trump's campaign chairman was convicted of charges that carry a max of 80 years in prison, and his longtime lawyer and fixer implicated him on a campaign finance charges. Today is easily the worst day of Trump's presidency.
As Trump boarded Air Force One with aides Stephen Miller and Johnny DeStefano, NEWS BROKE that his longtime lawyer Michael COHEN charged with unlawful campaign contribution and other counts and jury reached verdict on 8 counts against his onetime campaign chairman Paul MANAFORT. pic.twitter.com/eJ1qRaDL6bAs Trump boarded Air Force One with aides Stephen Miller and Johnny DeStefano, NEWS BROKE that his longtime lawyer Michael COHEN charged with unlawful campaign contribution and other counts and jury reached verdict on 8 counts against his onetime campaign chairman Paul MANAFORT. pic.twitter.com/eJ1qRaDL6b
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (Crew) executive director Noah Bookbinder, a former federal prosecutor, released the following statement on the Paul Manafort verdict:Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (Crew) executive director Noah Bookbinder, a former federal prosecutor, released the following statement on the Paul Manafort verdict:
The president’s former campaign chairman has just been convicted of very serious crimes. Paul Manafort engaged in corrupt behavior and illicit self-enrichment for years, and it appears he tried to use the Trump campaign as a way to get out of a major financial hole. It remains to be seen how many others in the orbit of the Trump campaign and administration are implicated in corrupt conduct; it seems far too prevalent. We applaud the Department of Justice on this important conviction. This is just the latest conviction for Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation, as multiple defendants have already pleaded guilty, and it likely will not be the last. This investigation is moving quickly and effectively, and it will continue bringing us closer to the truth.The president’s former campaign chairman has just been convicted of very serious crimes. Paul Manafort engaged in corrupt behavior and illicit self-enrichment for years, and it appears he tried to use the Trump campaign as a way to get out of a major financial hole. It remains to be seen how many others in the orbit of the Trump campaign and administration are implicated in corrupt conduct; it seems far too prevalent. We applaud the Department of Justice on this important conviction. This is just the latest conviction for Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation, as multiple defendants have already pleaded guilty, and it likely will not be the last. This investigation is moving quickly and effectively, and it will continue bringing us closer to the truth.
Within minutes of Manafort’s conviction, Cohen plead guilty to campaign finance violations including payoffs to women, bank fraud and tax fraud.Within minutes of Manafort’s conviction, Cohen plead guilty to campaign finance violations including payoffs to women, bank fraud and tax fraud.
Here is what Cohen is pleading guilty to. Counts 7 and 8 are campaign finance violations. Look for what the documents say, if anything, about Trump’s involvement. https://t.co/q5C4RHDPLMHere is what Cohen is pleading guilty to. Counts 7 and 8 are campaign finance violations. Look for what the documents say, if anything, about Trump’s involvement. https://t.co/q5C4RHDPLM
hooboy*COHEN SAYS HE VIOLATED CAMPAIGN LAW AT DIRECTION OF CANDIDATE*COHEN SAYS HE ACTED FOR PURPOSE OF INFLUENCING ELECTION*COHEN: VIOLATED CAMPAIGN LAW AT DIRECTION OF UNNAMED CANDIDATEhooboy*COHEN SAYS HE VIOLATED CAMPAIGN LAW AT DIRECTION OF CANDIDATE*COHEN SAYS HE ACTED FOR PURPOSE OF INFLUENCING ELECTION*COHEN: VIOLATED CAMPAIGN LAW AT DIRECTION OF UNNAMED CANDIDATE
The vice-chair of the Senate intelligence committee, Mark Warner, a Democrat who is helping lead the Senate’s Russia investigation, has a statement about Manafort’s conviction:The vice-chair of the Senate intelligence committee, Mark Warner, a Democrat who is helping lead the Senate’s Russia investigation, has a statement about Manafort’s conviction:
This verdict makes it absolutely clear that the Mueller probe is not a ‘witch hunt’ — it is a serious investigation that is rooting out corruption and Russian influence on our political system at the highest levels. The President’s campaign manager was just convicted of serious federal crimes by a jury of his peers, despite the President’s continued attempts to undermine the investigation which has brought Mr. Manafort to justice. Any attempt by the President to pardon Mr. Manafort or interfere in the investigation into his campaign would be a gross abuse of power and require immediate action by Congress.This verdict makes it absolutely clear that the Mueller probe is not a ‘witch hunt’ — it is a serious investigation that is rooting out corruption and Russian influence on our political system at the highest levels. The President’s campaign manager was just convicted of serious federal crimes by a jury of his peers, despite the President’s continued attempts to undermine the investigation which has brought Mr. Manafort to justice. Any attempt by the President to pardon Mr. Manafort or interfere in the investigation into his campaign would be a gross abuse of power and require immediate action by Congress.
A deluge of news from the Cohen and Manafort courtrooms ...A deluge of news from the Cohen and Manafort courtrooms ...
For Manafort, the judge has said guilty on eight of eighteen counts. A mistrial on 10 counts.For Manafort, the judge has said guilty on eight of eighteen counts. A mistrial on 10 counts.
News: Judge in Manafort trial declares mistrial on 10 counts. The verdict will be read on 8 counts.News: Judge in Manafort trial declares mistrial on 10 counts. The verdict will be read on 8 counts.
BREAKING: Paul Manafort found guilty of 8 counts. 5 tax fraud charges, 1 charge of hiding foreign bank accounts, and two counts of bank fraud.BREAKING: Paul Manafort found guilty of 8 counts. 5 tax fraud charges, 1 charge of hiding foreign bank accounts, and two counts of bank fraud.
How dangerous is Cohen for Trump? This excellent piece by Tom McCarthy has some answers.How dangerous is Cohen for Trump? This excellent piece by Tom McCarthy has some answers.
Apart from what he might be able to tell Mueller, the former aide could provide evidence of alleged elections law violations by the Trump campaign, legal analysts say. Or Cohen could damage Trump politically, exploding the president’s credibility – what remains of it – in a way that would change the basic picture of the man and his leadership.Apart from what he might be able to tell Mueller, the former aide could provide evidence of alleged elections law violations by the Trump campaign, legal analysts say. Or Cohen could damage Trump politically, exploding the president’s credibility – what remains of it – in a way that would change the basic picture of the man and his leadership.
Cohen is not the only former Trump aide at a federal courthouse today, writes the Guardian’s Ben Jacobs, who is currently outside court in Alexandria, Virginia.Cohen is not the only former Trump aide at a federal courthouse today, writes the Guardian’s Ben Jacobs, who is currently outside court in Alexandria, Virginia.
Jacobs is awaiting a verdict for the trial of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort on 18 counts of bank and tax fraud.Jacobs is awaiting a verdict for the trial of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort on 18 counts of bank and tax fraud.
Jurors sent a note earlier in the day to ask what would happen if they were deadlocked on only one of the 18 counts, leading to the belief that they have reached consensus on the other 17.Jurors sent a note earlier in the day to ask what would happen if they were deadlocked on only one of the 18 counts, leading to the belief that they have reached consensus on the other 17.
In the meantime, reporters and lawyers are camped out in the lobby of a hotel across the street. In between the hotel and the courthouse, an outdoor plaza has transformed into a vast television studio filled with a dozen television cameras set up for cable news liveshots.In the meantime, reporters and lawyers are camped out in the lobby of a hotel across the street. In between the hotel and the courthouse, an outdoor plaza has transformed into a vast television studio filled with a dozen television cameras set up for cable news liveshots.
Cohen has entered the courtroom, according to local New York Daily News reporter Stephen Brown.Cohen has entered the courtroom, according to local New York Daily News reporter Stephen Brown.
Michael Cohen enters the courtroom sporting a gold tie and dark suit. He came in through a side entrance often used for people who are in custody. (He’s not). Cohen attorney Guy Petrillo here.Michael Cohen enters the courtroom sporting a gold tie and dark suit. He came in through a side entrance often used for people who are in custody. (He’s not). Cohen attorney Guy Petrillo here.
And the Associated Press said Cohen was seen leaving his apartment earlier and “traveling to the Manhattan offices of one of his lawyer, former federal prosecutor Guy Petrillo, before going into a building where the FBI has its New York offices.”And the Associated Press said Cohen was seen leaving his apartment earlier and “traveling to the Manhattan offices of one of his lawyer, former federal prosecutor Guy Petrillo, before going into a building where the FBI has its New York offices.”
Sam Nunberg, a former Trump aide, brushed off Cohen’s guilty plea as unimportant in the larger scheme of things. “Unless I see a direct correlation and coordination on hacking of the emails, I don’t see what this does for getting the president removed from office,” said Nunberg.Sam Nunberg, a former Trump aide, brushed off Cohen’s guilty plea as unimportant in the larger scheme of things. “Unless I see a direct correlation and coordination on hacking of the emails, I don’t see what this does for getting the president removed from office,” said Nunberg.
He saw this as a continuation of “Mueller playing Watergate” and trying to bring down Trump.He saw this as a continuation of “Mueller playing Watergate” and trying to bring down Trump.
Nunberg noted that once after a television interview, he was informed by the special counsel’s office that prosecutors in the southern district were thinking about calling him. Although he never testified there, he saw it as an extension of the same effort, noting Mueller’s team has limited bandwidth and may not have jurisdiction in some cases.Nunberg noted that once after a television interview, he was informed by the special counsel’s office that prosecutors in the southern district were thinking about calling him. Although he never testified there, he saw it as an extension of the same effort, noting Mueller’s team has limited bandwidth and may not have jurisdiction in some cases.
Nunberg also dismissed concerns that Cohen paid off women on Trump’s behalf.Nunberg also dismissed concerns that Cohen paid off women on Trump’s behalf.
“So what do they [the prosecutors] have?” Nunberg said. “That Cohen paid off a woman and Trump told him to? My argument would be Trump has done this before, this wasn’t his first rodeo doing this.”“So what do they [the prosecutors] have?” Nunberg said. “That Cohen paid off a woman and Trump told him to? My argument would be Trump has done this before, this wasn’t his first rodeo doing this.”
Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen is due to appear in a New York court at 4pm ET after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors investigating him for alleged financial fraud and other charges.Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen is due to appear in a New York court at 4pm ET after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors investigating him for alleged financial fraud and other charges.
Cohen intends to plead guilty to at least one charge, according to multiple news organizations.Cohen intends to plead guilty to at least one charge, according to multiple news organizations.
We’ll have analysis and details on the court hearing, which is less than 15 minutes away. The latest news story is below:We’ll have analysis and details on the court hearing, which is less than 15 minutes away. The latest news story is below: