Deborah Tarasoff, a longtime Trump Organization employee, testified on Monday in the Donald Trump hush money trial, providing crucial evidence about the repayment of $420,000 to Michael Cohen. Tarasoff, who still works in accounts payable, revealed that Trump would sometimes sign checks she cut, but not always. She noted that Trump would occasionally void checks in his signature black Sharpie if he didn't want to sign them.
Tarasoff's testimony showed that Trump was involved in the repayment process, with his signature on some of the checks. However, Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, clarified during cross-examination that Tarasoff was not present for conversations between Trump and his former boss, Allen Weisselberg, and didn't get permission from Trump to generate the checks to Cohen.
Despite this, Tarasoff confirmed that she received the signed checks back in the mail and disbursed them to Cohen. Trump appeared more engaged during Tarasoff's testimony, watching her more closely than previous witnesses. This may be due to the focus on his business, which Trump is more familiar with.
Tarasoff's testimony also highlighted the close-knit nature of the Trump Organization, with her referring to it as a "family-run business." This was evident when she gave Eric Trump, who is still in charge of the Trump Organization, a friendly tap on the knee as she returned to the witness stand.
Trump's behavior during the trial has been notable, with him frequently leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes during discussions about alleged affairs and hush money payments. However, during Tarasoff's testimony, he was more attentive, sitting up straight and watching her closely.
The prosecution's case against Trump is strengthening, with the presentation of documents and testimony from Trump Organization employees like McConney and Tarasoff. The trial is expected to continue for another two weeks, with the prosecution likely to present more evidence and witnesses to build their case against Trump.
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