Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen won’t testify subsequent week within the $250 million civil fraud case in opposition to the previous president due to a health-related subject, two sources confirmed to NBC Information on Friday.
It was not instantly clear how lengthy Cohen’s testimony could be delayed.
“Sadly I have to attend to a pre-existing medical situation that impedes my capability to testify this upcoming week. Relaxation assured, I’ll testify on the earliest alternative,” he instructed NBC in an announcement Saturday.
Information of Cohen’s absence, which was first reported by the Every day Beast, comes a day after sources confirmed that Trump was planning on attending the trial Tuesday and Wednesday to see him on the stand.
Cohen instructed NBC Information on Thursday that he thought Trump was “scared.”
“It’s been 5 years since now we have seen each other. Assuming I’m even on to testify subsequent week, I stay up for the reunion. I hope Donald does, as effectively,” Cohen mentioned.
It is unclear if Trump will nonetheless be in court docket early subsequent week. A spokesperson for Trump didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark Friday evening.
The trial, which began this month in Manhattan, is predicted to final till late December.
Trump was already scheduled to be in New York on Tuesday for an additional authorized matter: sitting for a two hour deposition in a case involving former FBI officers Peter Strzok and Lisa Web page.
Stzrok alleges in his go well with in opposition to the Justice Division that he was wrongfully terminated, whereas Web page, who resigned as an FBI lawyer in Might 2018, has argued privateness violations in relation to the general public disclosures of her textual content messages to Stzrok.
Trump attended the primary few days of his civil fraud trial, and is listed as a witness by each the New York legal professional basic’s workplace and his personal protection workforce.
New York Legal professional Common Letitia James has mentioned the probe that led to her go well with in opposition to Trump and his firm was sparked by Cohen’s testimony to Congress. James mentioned final week she deliberate to be in court docket for Cohen’s testimony.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing within the case. The lawsuit accuses Trump, his firm and two of his youngsters of fraudulently overvaluing their monetary statements.
This text was initially revealed on NBCNews.com