Inside Washington Email: Michael Cohen Admits to Stealing Thousands from Trump Organization

Former Trump Organization lawyer Michael Cohen has admitted to “stealing” tens of thousands of dollars from the company as part of a reimbursement plan with Donald Trump. Cohen testified in court that he pocketed $60,000 by overstating the amount he paid a tech company to rig online polls in Trump’s favor.

Cohen described his actions as “self-help” after his annual bonus was cut, stating that he felt the need to recoup the money he had spent on behalf of Trump. The reimbursements to Cohen for hush money payments to Stormy Daniels totaled $420,000, with additional funds billed to the Trump Organization for services that were never rendered.

During cross-examination, Cohen admitted to stealing from the Trump Organization and acknowledged that he had not repaid the money. He detailed how he had paid off Daniels and manipulated online polls at Trump’s request, all while feeling slighted by a reduced Christmas bonus.

The trial has shed light on the inner workings of the Trump Organization and the lengths to which Cohen went to protect and serve Trump. The former president faces multiple charges related to falsifying business records and has pleaded not guilty.

Cohen’s testimony has provided a glimpse into the complex web of financial transactions and questionable practices that occurred within the Trump Organization, painting a damning picture of the company’s operations during Trump’s tenure.