Trump ally to appear before NYC grand jury eyeing indictment – Latest News Update

NEW YORK (AP) — A lawyer affiliated with Donald Trump is expected to testify Monday before a New York grand jury, giving the former president an indirect opportunity to plead that he should not face criminal charges over hush money he made in 2016 has paid campaign.

Read more:- Former top Trump administration official who launched pro-DeSantis super PAC reveals his mission

Robert Costello was asked to appear by the Manhattan district attorney’s office after he said he had information that raised questions about the credibility of Michael Cohen, a key witness in the investigation, according to a person familiar with the case urging anonymity to discuss secret legal issues. procedure.

His testimony comes two days after Trump said he expected to face criminal charges and urged his supporters to protest his possible arrest. In a series of social media posts over the weekend, Trump criticized the New York investigation, targeting particularly hostile rhetoric at Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg.

Read more:- The Trump White House failed to report 117 foreign gifts, say House Democrats

It was unclear whether Costello’s testimony could change the course of a grand jury investigation that appears to be nearing completion.

Costello briefly served as legal counsel to Cohen after the FBI raided Cohen’s home and apartment in 2018. had sexual encounters with Trump.

Read more:- The judge who could decide the fate of the Donald Trump indictment reportedly has close ties to Brett Kavanaugh

For months it was unclear whether Cohen, a longtime lawyer and fixer for the Trump Organization who once boasted that he would “take a bullet” for his boss, would remain loyal to the president.

Cohen eventually pleaded guilty to the payments made to porn actor Stormy Daniels and model Karen McDougal, which he said were directed by Trump. He has been a vocal Trump critic ever since, testifying before Congress and then the Manhattan Grand Jury.

Trump, who has denied having sex with either woman, has denounced Cohen as a liar. Costello broke with Cohen before pleading guilty after it became clear he was no longer in Trump’s camp.

Read more:- Trump, DeSantis get ready to fight in the looming primaries

In the years since, Costello, a veteran New York attorney, has represented Trump allies, including his former political strategist Steve Bannon and his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani.