Cohen's Theft from Trump Organization Raises Corruption Concerns

Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen admitted to stealing from the Trump Organization, sparking accusations of corruption and abuse of power. Fox News host Sean Hannity and legal analysts condemn the judge's actions in limiting testimony that could have exposed Cohen's dishonesty.

Fox News host Sean Hannity unleashed a scathing attack on the New York v. Trump case after former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen admitted to stealing from the Trump Organization. Hannity accused Judge Juan Merchan of bias and limiting testimony that could have undermined Cohen's credibility.

"The judge's treatment of Bob Costello is truly disgraceful," Hannity said. "He would not allow him to tell his story, the same story that he told Congress, as he knows it will be devastating and end this sham trial."

Hannity pointed out the judge's allowance of Stormy Daniels' testimony about "ghosts" and other immaterial matters while restricting Costello from providing crucial information about Michael Cohen's interactions with the Trump Organization.

"As in regard to the NDA and him saying over and over again, that in fact, he did it on his own," Hannity said, referring to Costello's attempt to testify about Cohen's alleged lies.

Hannity also criticized the judge's limitations on the testimony of Bradley Smith, a former FEC commissioner and expert on federal election crimes. Smith's knowledge would have been highly relevant to the case, which centers on a novel federal election crime theory.

"This is not banana republic kangaroo court stuff," Hannity said. "But it's obvious what the judge is doing."

Eric Trump, who was present at the courtroom, echoed Hannity's concerns about the judge's conduct.

"The judge is clearly trying to protect Cohen," Trump said. "He doesn't want the truth to come out."

Legal analysts have also raised concerns about the judge's actions. MSNBC legal analyst Mimi Rocah called Cohen an "opportunistic thief" and accused him of stealing from the Trump Organization to "feather his own nest."

"Cohen's admission of theft should raise serious questions about his credibility," Rocah said. "The judge needs to be careful not to let Cohen manipulate the proceedings in order to avoid accountability."

The allegations of corruption and abuse of power in the Trump Organization have cast a shadow over the ongoing case. The judge's actions in limiting testimony that could have revealed Cohen's dishonesty have raised concerns about the fairness of the trial.