Trump: Cohen ‘lying’ that I directed him to break law

by Jordan Fabian - 10/16/18 6:41 PM ET

President Trump on Tuesday accused his former personal attorney Michael Cohen of lying when he implicated the president in an illegal payment to Stormy Daniels, who alleges she had an affair with Trump.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Trump said Cohen offered “totally false” testimony when he pleaded guilty to violating campaign finance law by arranging the payments.

{mosads}Cohen said during an August court appearance that Trump directed him to make the payments to Daniels, a shocking claim that implicated the president in a federal crime.

Lanny Davis, a lawyer for Cohen, said his client sticks by his account of the payment.

“Under oath @MichaelCohen212 acknowledged and took responsibility for @realdonaldtrump @potus bad behavior. Trump calling anyone a #liar is a compliment!” tweeted Davis, who is also an opinion contributor to The Hill.

Under oath @MichaelCohen212 acknowledged and took responsibility for @realdonaldtrump @potus bad behavior. Trump calling anyone a #liar is a compliment!

— Lanny Davis (@LannyDavis) October 16, 2018

Trump dismissed Cohen as “a PR person who did small legal work” and said it was “very sad” Cohen decided to plead guilty to “achieve a lighter sentence.”

Cohen worked for Trump for roughly a decade as a lawyer and a negotiator on some real estate deals.

Trump also defended his use the derisive nickname “Horseface” he gave to Daniels in a Tuesday morning tweet.

“You can take it any way you want,” Trump said when asked if it is appropriate to insult women’s appearances.

-Updated 7 p.m.

Tags Donald Trump