WATCH: CNN Expert Reveals Cohen Committed Worse Crime Than Trump’s Charges

As Donald Trump’s defense team rests its case after calling just two witnesses in the former president’s landmark hush money trial in New York, new insights are emerging that could shift public perception of the legal battles surrounding him. CNN legal analyst Elie Honig suggested that Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney and a key witness in the case, may be guilty of more serious crimes than those alleged against Trump.

The controversy centers on accusations that Trump falsified business documents to conceal a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election. While Trump has pled not guilty to the 34 felony counts he faces, Honig pointed out that Cohen’s own admission during the trial indicates potentially more egregious legal breaches.

“Michael Cohen explained this whole thing: ‘That’s what was owed and I didn’t feel Mr. Trump deserved the difference.’ That’s a lot different than ‘I stole $60,000 from my boss on the transaction at the heart of this case,’” Honig said on CNN.

He further highlighted the significance of Cohen not being charged with larceny, a point that has not been lost on observers of the trial. “Stealing $60,000 through fraud, which would be larceny in New York state, is more serious of a crime than falsifying business records.”

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Judge Juan Merchan had issued a gag order preventing the former president from making public comments about potential witnesses and most associated with the court or the New York District Attorney’s office. The order, initially imposed in March, also restricts Trump from discussing attorneys, court staff, or the family members of prosecutors or lawyers in a way that could interfere with the case according to CNN.

Furthermore, Trump is barred from criticizing key witnesses such as his former attorney Michael Cohen, and adult film star Stormy Daniels. Judge Merchan’s decision stems from Trump’s history of issuing “threatening, inflammatory, denigrating” statements against various members of the justice system, including jurors. However, the gag order does not apply to public figures such as District Attorney Alvin Bragg or Judge Merchan himself.

The legal constraint came into effect after Trump persistently criticized the district attorney’s handling of his case and the involved legal personnel. Violations of this gag order have resulted in Trump being fined multiple times, totaling $10,000 for ten separate incidents, with the latest fines imposed due to comments made before entering the courtroom. The judge has warned that continued violations could lead to jail sanctions.

As the trial progresses, Trump has abstained from testifying, despite leaving open the possibility. His defense team wrapped up with brief testimonies, notably from a paralegal and attorney Robert Costello, whose time on the stand was marked by tension and reprimands from Judge Merchan. Closing arguments are scheduled for next Tuesday, following a brief recess due to the Memorial Day holiday, with a verdict potentially being reached by the end of the following week.

Jury instructions will be crucial as they guide jurors on how to deliberate and reach a verdict. CNN’s Elie Honig noted, “It’s going to be very legalistic, but very, very important.”

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