The investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged role in a scheme to pay hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels is set to move further into view on Monday, with former Trump attorney Michael Cohen saying he’s been asked to report to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and Cohen’s one-time legal adviser Robert Costello set to appear before the grand jury.
The movements come after Trump said Saturday he expects to be arrested this week in connection with the yearslong case, and called on his supporters to protest any such move. That has contributed to security concerns in New York City, where law enforcement officials are preparing for various potential scenarios.
Cohen, a central figure in the grand jury investigation, said he has been asked to be at the District Attorney’s Office Monday as a rebuttal witness.
“Yes, I was asked to make myself available and to be at the DA’s office tomorrow as a rebuttal witness,” Cohen said on MSNBC Sunday. But Cohen had said he wasn’t sure if he’d be answering questions before the grand jury or in an interview with the Manhattan DA. “Whether it’s before the grand jury or just with them for another interview, again, I’m not sure,” Cohen said.
Costello, who has represented Trump allies like Steve Bannon and Rudy Giuliani, told CNN he is appearing before the grand jury at the request of Trump’s legal team. He contacted both the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and lawyers for Trump to offer evidence that contradicts what Cohen has said publicly about the alleged hush money payments, a person familiar with the matter said. Trump attorneys asked the DA’s office to call Costello before the grand jury, this person said.
CNN has reached out to the DA’s office.
Cohen admitted to paying $130,000 to Daniels just before the 2016 election to stop her from…
Read the full article here