TikTok Donations Raise Questions about Michael Cohen’s Credibility in Trump Hush Money Case

Michael Cohen’s credibility as a witness in former President Donald Trump’s hush money case has come under scrutiny, but a recent report by ABC News complicates the situation further. The Manhattan District Attorney’s star witness mentioned Trump during livestreams on TikTok, which attract thousands of listeners and users who send him donations while he is speaking about Trump in the form of virtual gifts with financial value. Cohen has been critical of Trump even before his trial began, but some legal analysts have raised eyebrows over how antagonistic he’s become towards the former president. Last Wednesday, Cohen announced that he would limit public comments on Trump until after his testimony; however, later that night, during another livestream with television personality Rosie O’Donnell, they briefly discussed the trial. The amount of money earned from these livestreams is unclear, but any profit could strengthen the argument made by Trump’s defense lawyers suggesting Cohen would financially gain through speaking so forcefully against their former client while awaiting his turn as a witness on the stand to provide truthful testimony in court. Critics have also noted that Bragg’s case relies heavily on Cohen, who has previously admitted lying and pleaded guilty for crimes such as bank fraud, tax evasion, violating campaign finance laws, and lying to Congress, leaving prosecutors’ hush money charge severely weakened.