Manhattan DA's Tech Analyst Sheds Light on Alleged Trump-Cohen "Catch-and-Kill" Plan in N.Y. v. Trump Trial

Day 10 of the high-profile criminal trial N.Y. v. Trump provided the courtroom with consequential evidence as Doug Daus, a technology forensics analyst for the Manhattan District Attorney's office, took the stand. Daus's testimony centered on the data extracted from Michael Cohen’s cell phones, which included incriminating audio recordings of conversations between Cohen and former President Donald Trump. One such recording revealed Cohen discussing the creation of a company to channel funds for "our friend David," believed to be David P*****, in a "catch-and-kill" strategy to suppress Karen McDougal's affair allegations with Trump.

The prosecution aims to prove Trump's cognizance and participation in the hush money scheme with P*****. However, Trump's defense, led by attorney Emil Bove, has cast doubt on the reliability of Daus's evidence, focusing on potential weaknesses in the evidence's chain of custody.

Amidst the trial, Trump has vehemently criticized the proceedings, calling the trial "ridiculous" and a form of "election interference." His outspoken nature led to a $9,000 fine for violating a gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan, which restricts public comments about trial witnesses, including Cohen and Stormy Daniels.

Keith Davidson, Stormy Daniels’ former lawyer, also took the stand, testifying about his role in negotiating the infamous $130,000 payment to Daniels. Davidson described the payment as "consideration" for ensuring a contract promise, rather than "hush money." Cohen, who played a pivotal role in the payment to Daniels and is expected to be a key witness for the prosecution, has been portrayed as being despondent over not securing a White House role.

This trial, unfolding in Manhattan, is historically significant as it marks the first time a former U.S. president has been tried criminally. Due to policies against video coverage in New York and Louisiana, there is no live streaming or recording of the trial, but transcripts are made available, and select media personnel have permission to observe in person.

Trump is defending himself against over 34 felony charges, including falsification of business records, and maintains his innocence. The essence of the case alleges that the Trump Organization illicitly reimbursed Michael Cohen for payments made to Stormy Daniels, falsely recording these expenses as legal fees.

In a surprising political twist, former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr, despite his criticism of Trump, has stated he would choose Trump over Biden in the event of a 2024 election, believing Trump to be the lesser of two evils. Meanwhile, political and economic discussions are being influenced by figures like Robert Wolf, former adviser to President Obama, and Steve Moore, former adviser for Trump's campaign.

The political landscape extends beyond the courtroom, with Alaska's Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, facing GOP criticism for her perceived non-opposition to Biden's energy policies. Peltola's "present" vote on a bill to revoke some of Biden's executive orders has been labeled non-committal by her GOP critics. In contrast, GOP Rep. Pete Stauber introduced the Alaska’s Right to Produce Act, which passed the House and supports oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

As the Alaska primary approaches on August 24 with its unique top-four candidate advancement system, political tensions rise with Nancy Dahlstrom and Nick Begich, both Republicans, challenging Peltola, who recently withdrew support for the Alaska’s Right to Produce Act due to environmental concerns. Peltola, who filled the vacant House seat left by the late GOP incumbent Don Young after a special election in 2022, has endorsed Biden's re-election bid and will be facing these issues head-on in the ranked-choice voting system of Alaska's general election on November 5.

Conservative Bias:

Folks, what we're witnessing here is nothing but a sham, a witch hunt concocted by the left-wing Manhattan DA's office to take down a successful conservative president. These so-called "incriminating" recordings are nothing but a desperate attempt by the Deep State and their cronies to fabricate a scandal where there is none. They're using a convicted liar, Michael Cohen, as their puppet to spin a narrative against President Trump, a man who has tirelessly worked for the American people. This trial is a disgrace, a blatant example of election interference and a judicial lynching. They're fining Trump for speaking the truth while they parade Cohen around, a man bitter about not getting a cushy White House job. And let's not forget the complicity of the RINOs and turncoats like Bill Barr, who would rather side with the lesser evil than stand up for conservative principles. This is the deep-seated corruption and political bias that's trying to take down a man who has fearlessly stood up against the establishment, all while the Democrats in Alaska and across the nation continue their assault on our energy independence and economic prosperity. Make no mistake, patriots, they're not after Trump, they're after you, and he's just in the way.

Liberal Bias:

Once again, the corruption of the Trump empire is laid bare for all to see in this historic trial. The evidence is clear: Trump was at the heart of a corrupt scheme to silence stories that would damage his image, using 'catch-and-kill' tactics that have no place in our democracy. The Trump defense's pathetic attempts to discredit solid forensic evidence only reveal their desperation. Trump's flagrant violation of the gag order and subsequent fine is indicative of his total disregard for the rule of law. Meanwhile, the Republicans continue their relentless attack on the environment, with their insidious legislation like the Alaska’s Right to Produce Act, which is nothing but a thinly-veiled gift to the fossil fuel industry. They're willing to sacrifice our planet for profit, and they're punishing courageous Democrats like Mary Peltola who dare to stand up for what's right. And let's not overlook the spinelessness of figures like Bill Barr, who, despite recognizing Trump's toxic influence, would still support him over a dedicated public servant like Biden. It's clear that the GOP is mo***** bankrupt, willing to embrace a known corrupt leader simply because of partisan politics. This trial isn't just about Trump; it's about holding the Republican party accountable for their complicity in his crimes and their ongoing assault on our democratic values and the environment.