Gary Farro says the bank asks for the purpose of the transfer to ensure it knows what it is getting into
In the paperwork requesting the transfer of $130,000 to Keith Davidson’s account, Michael Cohen wrote that the purpose was “Retainer,” which in itself was a lie.
Gary Farro said the bank asks for this information to ensure it doesn’t get involved in anything it doesn’t want to do.
Prosecutor analyzes the main acts of Cohen’s deception of his bankers
Using documents she carefully authenticated and admitted through Farro on Friday, prosecutor Rebecca Mangold is examining key acts in furthering the conspiracy: Cohen’s hasty opening, financing and deception of his bankers in the First Republic.
But by Cohen’s misrepresentations about the purpose of his LLC and his request that bankers expedite the opening of the account, the transfer of funds from Cohen’s home equity line of credit to the account and, ultimately, the wire transfer to Davidson, he could not have paid Stormy Daniels in time to ensure her silence before Election Day.
Throughout Farro’s testimony this morning, jurors followed the email threads on computer monitors in front of them, with some seen taking notes.
Cohen praises gag order decision
Michael Cohen – who has been the target of much of Trump’s criticism, cited as violations of the gag order – praised the decision.
“The fine imposed is irrelevant. Judge Merchan’s ruling makes clear that this behavior will not be tolerated and that no one is above the law,” Cohen said in a statement.
Judge orders Trump to remove social media posts that violate gag order by 2:15 p.m.
Judge Merchan ordered Trump to remove the Truth Social posts that violated the gag order by 2:15 p.m. ET.
Trump Attends Son’s Graduation Despite His Previous Claims
It is notable that the judge decided to allow Trump to attend Barron’s graduation on May 17, given that Trump and his campaign had previously claimed that the judge had prevented him from doing so.
During the first week of the trial, Trump told reporters, “My son is graduating from high school and it looks like the judge is not going to let me go to graduation.”
His campaign also sent a text that said: “THEY ARE FORCING ME TO SKIP MY SON’S GRADUATION. I WILL BE IN COURT.”
This text was wrong. The judge had not yet made a decision.
Farro says the process would be different for payments to an adult film star
Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Mangold asked Farro whether the bank’s process for opening the account would be different if Cohen had indicated he was paying an adult film star.
Farro responded, “Yes, we would certainly ask additional questions.”
Asked if there was anything to indicate the bill was made to pay an adult film star, Farro denied that was the case and that more questions would have been asked if he had known.
Trump says Time cover story is ‘60% correct,’ compares Columbia protests to January protests. 6 Riot
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Trump praised his exclusive new interview with Time magazine, in which he discussed his agenda if he wins a second term, saying the story is “at least 60% correct.”
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee also criticized the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses across the country, describing them as “Biden protests” at colleges that are “overrun.”
Trump argued that the 2017 Charlottesville “Unite the Right Rally,” which Biden said was what prompted him to launch his presidential campaign, is “peanuts” compared to the protests taking place on college campuses across the country.
“This entire country is up in arms, storming colleges… they have occupied a building,” he said, referring to this morning’s news of the occupation of Hamilton Hall at Columbia University by pro-Palestinian students.
Trump then said he wonders what will happen to the pro-Palestinian protesters compared to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol rioters who stormed the building amid his refusal to concede the 2020 election to Biden.
Gary Farro back on the stand
Gary Farro, the banker who worked with Michael Cohen, is back on the stand.
Merchan threatens Trump with arrest for further gag order violations
Merchan, in his ruling that Trump violated his gag order, wrote that he understands that a $1,000 fine is unlikely to make much difference to someone wealthy, but that he cannot charge a larger fine.
“As this Court is not vested with such discretion, it must therefore consider whether, in some cases, imprisonment may be a necessary punishment,” Merchan wrote.
Judge grants Trump permission to attend son’s HS graduation
Merchan began the proceedings on Friday in response to Trump’s request at the start of the trial that he be allowed to attend his son Barron’s high school graduation on May 17.
“I don’t think the May 17th date is a problem. Therefore, Mr. Trump will certainly be able to attend that date. Attending his son’s graduation,” Merchan said.
