The jury heard a series of secretly recorded phone calls between Michael Cohen and Keith Davidson

 

The jury in the Trump hush money case heard a series of secretly recorded phone calls between Michael Cohen and Keith Davidson, the former lawyer for Stormy Daniels, on Thursday. The calls, recorded in 2018, reveal conversations between Cohen and Davidson about the hush money deals with Daniels and Karen McDougal.

In one call, Cohen can be heard telling Davidson that Trump repeatedly expressed regret over the deal with Daniels, saying "I hate the fact that we did it." Cohen also discussed fronting the money for the payment to Daniels, stating "I did it because I care about the guy, and I wasn't going to play pennywise pound foolish."

Davidson confirmed the authenticity of the calls during cross-examination by Trump's lawyer, Emil Bove. Bove played audio clips from the calls for Davidson, who listened with headphones on the witness stand and confirmed certain statements made.

One clip revealed Davidson telling Cohen that Daniels "wanted this money more than you could ever imagine" and pushed for the deal to be closed before Election Day in 2016 because she was concerned that if Trump lost, they'd lose all leverage and her story would be "worth zero." Prosecutors submitted the audio into evidence, clarifying that Davidson was relaying the sentiments of Daniels' then-manager's boyfriend, not Daniels herself.

The jury also heard a widely reported conversation recorded in August 2016 in Trump's office, where Cohen and Trump discussed the $150,000 payment to McDougal. These recordings provide crucial evidence in the case, offering insight into the motivations and actions of the parties involved.

The recordings highlight Cohen's involvement in the hush money deals and his close relationship with Trump. Cohen's statements about Trump's regret over the deals and his willingness to front the money for the payments to Daniels and McDougal raise questions about Trump's knowledge and involvement in the deals.

Davidson's confirmation of the calls and his role in facilitating the deals further solidifies the prosecution's case. The recordings and testimony provide a clearer picture of the events surrounding the hush money deals and the parties involved.

As the trial continues, the jury will likely hear more evidence and testimony that will help them determine Trump's guilt or innocence. The recordings and Davidson's testimony have already provided significant insight into the case, and the prosecution's evidence is building a strong case against Trump.