Trump sank down into his chair as the prosecutor repeated Trumps own words about forcing himself on women.
The campaign went into immediate damage control mode to blunt the impact of the tape, Colangelo said.
Blanche said that his client merely signed the checks.
Donald Trump in court on Monday for opening statements in his trial on charges related to hush money payments.Photo by Yuki Iwamura-Pool/Getty Images
Cohen spent more than a year behind bars.
His entire financial livelihood depends on President Trumps destruction, Blanche said.
There is nothing wrong with trying to influence an election; its called democracy, Blanche said.
The Manhattan courthouse early on Monday morning.Sean Piccoli
He said that entering into a non-disclosure agreement is perfectly legal.
Trump paid Cohen $35,000 a month for 11 months, totaling $420,000.
Rather, Blanche said, they were made because Cohen was Trumps personal attorney.
This was a planned, coordinated ongoing conspiracy to influence the 2016 election, Colangelo said.
As this is a state case, there is no evidence that the president directed his rivals prosecution.
That bond is required as Trump appeals the judgment.
Its a very very sad day in America, I can tell you that, Trump said.
Some broadcast networks planned special reports, adding to coverage throughout the day on cable news channels.
They were quickly excused.
This payment was illegal, prosecutors said.
Trump has previously denied having an affair with Daniels or being aware of the payment Cohen made to her.
Pro- and anti-Trump protestors have been far fewer in number this time.
But media coverage of the case remains intense.
Ted Johnson contributed to this report.
