Meet the Press NOW — May 13

NBC News2 minutes read

Michael Cohen testified that Donald Trump directed him to make hush payments to Stormy Daniels for protecting his campaign, with details revealing Trump's involvement in falsifying business records. Cohen's testimony, despite credibility issues, adds weight to the prosecution's case against Trump, highlighting concerns about potential post-war chaos in Gaza.

Insights

  • Michael Cohen testified that Donald Trump directed him to make hush money payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, implicating Trump in potential campaign finance violations.
  • The replacement of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu by President Vladimir Putin amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine suggests dissatisfaction with Shoigu's performance and a potential shift in Russia's military strategy.

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Recent questions

  • What did Michael Cohen testify about Donald Trump?

    Cohen testified Trump directed hush money payments to protect campaign.

  • How did prosecutors aim to prove Trump's involvement in the hush money payments?

    Prosecutors aimed to establish Trump's knowledge of falsified records.

  • What concerns did Michael Cohen express about the hush money payments affecting Trump's campaign?

    Cohen expressed concerns post-Access Hollywood tape scandal.

  • How did Michael Cohen's testimony impact public perception of Trump?

    Cohen's testimony detailed Stormy Daniels story, affecting public perception.

  • What was the defense's likely strategy regarding Michael Cohen's credibility?

    Defense likely to focus on Cohen's credibility issues.

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Summary

00:00

Trump Directed Hush Money Payments, Cohen Testifies

  • Michael Cohen testified that Donald Trump directed him to make payments to protect his presidential campaign, specifically to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
  • The prosecution aims to prove that Trump knowingly falsified business records regarding the hush money payments.
  • Cohen expressed concerns about the payments affecting Trump's campaign after the Access Hollywood tape scandal.
  • Prosecutors are establishing that Trump was aware of Cohen's actions and motives, including a similar scheme involving Karen McDougal.
  • Cohen admitted in court that he acted at Trump's direction and for his benefit.
  • Trump's legal troubles are seen by him as politically beneficial, as he indicated at a recent rally.
  • Trump's political allies are showing support in court and defending him publicly.
  • During Cohen's testimony, a critical piece of evidence was a bank statement showing the payment to Cohen for Stormy Daniels.
  • Cohen's demeanor during the testimony was described as engaged, especially regarding the payout to Daniels.
  • The defense's strategy will likely focus on Cohen's credibility issues and potential motives for seeking revenge against Trump.

12:42

"Michael Cohen's Testimony Impacts Trump's Defense"

  • Testifying despite being a convicted criminal and known liar, Michael Cohen adds credibility to accumulating stories.
  • The order of witnesses in a case is crucial, with the last witness ideally being credible and calm.
  • Cohen's testimony includes details about the Stormy Daniels story, impacting public perception of Trump.
  • Prior bad acts and behavior can be used in court to establish a pattern of conduct, potentially damaging to Trump.
  • Cohen's claims about Trump's knowledge of certain schemes may shift the burden of proof to the defense.
  • The defense in a case must meet the burden of proof, showing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, are causing significant civilian displacement.
  • Despite warnings from the U.S., Israel continues military operations in Gaza, aiming to eradicate Hamas.
  • Hamas is showing signs of reconstitution in the north, posing a long-term insurgency threat.
  • The lack of a clear plan for post-war governance in Gaza raises concerns about potential chaos and anarchy.

25:27

"US-Israel Relations Post-Gaza: Blinken's Address"

  • Blinken appeared yesterday, addressing U.S.-Israeli relations post-Gaza developments.
  • Sullivan's comments aimed to restore confidence in the alliance after a major shift in an interview.
  • U.S. weapons shipments will continue despite a pause in large bombs used in populated areas.
  • Humanitarian aid will persist in Gaza, a high concern due to Israeli interference.
  • White House views Palestinian suffering but rejects the term "genocide" for Gaza events.
  • Israel's intentions differ from the White House's perspective post-Gaza incidents.
  • Israel conducts limited operations in Rafah, raising concerns about a potential major assault.
  • White House's stance on a large-scale ground invasion of Rafah remains unanswered.
  • Polling data indicates a competitive 2024 presidential race with potential shifts in key states.
  • Concerns arise for the Biden campaign due to warning signs in polling data, especially among key voter demographics.

38:13

Putin replaces defense minister amid Ukraine conflict.

  • Russian President Vladimir Putin has replaced his defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, appointing him to lead the National Security Council.
  • Shoigu, a longtime ally, oversaw the 2014 and 2022 invasions of Ukraine but faced criticism for failures on the battlefield.
  • Putin's decision to replace Shoigu may indicate dissatisfaction with his performance, despite recent gains in the conflict.
  • Shoigu's replacement comes amid fierce fighting in northern Ukraine, with Russia claiming territorial gains in the Kyiv region.
  • The US Ambassador for Russia and Europe discusses the implications of Shoigu's demotion and the need for swift delivery of aid to Ukraine.
  • A $51 billion aid package approved for Ukraine is crucial for morale and defense, particularly in replenishing air defense missiles.
  • The aid will provide Ukraine with long-range missiles to disrupt occupied territories and potentially turn the tide of the conflict.
  • Ukraine's ability to push back against Russian forces depends on the timely delivery of weapons, retraining, and strategic offensive maneuvers.
  • The accelerated expenditure of aid through the end of the year aims to bolster Ukraine's defense and potentially shift the initiative in the conflict.
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