MAJOR BREAKING NEWS: Cohen disclosed remarkable evidence suggesting that Trump directed him to deceive by inflating property valuations.
"I was instructed by Mr. Trump to inflate the overall asset amount to a specific figure he chose without any justification. My primary duty, alongside Allen Weisselberg, was to manipulate the valuations of different asset categories to boost their worth and meet Mr. Trump's desired number," Cohen explained.
When asked about the number he came up with, Cohen said he used the number Trump told him. Cohen's admission was related to Trump's statement of financial condition, which is crucial to the trial accusing the ex-president of deceit for personal gain.
Cohen said the statement was meant to demonstrate net worth for insurance and acquisition purposes. Insurance brokers were allowed to take notes but not keep them, so the assets could be perceived as valuable and secure lower insurance premiums. Cohen admitted this when shown a copy of the statement on the screen.