Donald Trump Trial Recap: Tiffany Trump Blackmail Twist Shakes Trump Case
The hush money trial involving Donald Trump took an unexpected turn when Michael Cohen testified about an extortion attempt against Tiffany Trump just before the 2016 election, Daily Mail reported.
Tiffany Trump was not as publicly prominent as her siblings during the 2016 election. While she appeared with her father at the Republican convention, she maintained a relatively low profile compared to Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Ivanka Trump.
The latter two played significant roles during Trump's presidency, with Ivanka joining her father at the White House and the brothers managing the Trump Organization.
Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, testified on Monday that Tiffany was a victim of extortion in 2016. This was part of Cohen's broader narrative, which shows that he had multiple reasons for his communications with Trump during that period.
Details of the Alleged Extortion
According to Cohen's testimony, the extortion attempt against Tiffany occurred in late October 2016.
Cohen confirmed that on October 25, Tiffany expressed concerns about blackmail to him, which he handled by involving David Pecker and others. The situation arose during a crucial time when Cohen was also dealing with the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
Defense lawyers argued that Cohen's calls with Trump could have been about matters other than the hush payments. Cohen acknowledged that he had numerous issues to address with Trump in early October 2016, indicating a busy period for both his personal and professional life.
Trial Proceedings and Additional Revelations
During cross-examination, Cohen admitted to handling Tiffany's extortion matter promptly. He also testified that he spoke to Trump about the situation using the phone of Keith Schiller, Trump's security chief.
This testimony was significant as it coincided with prank calls Cohen received from a 14-year-old, based on text messages exchanged with Schiller.
Cohen's testimony further revealed that he had stolen $60,000 from Trump. This admission came during a dramatic day in court where Cohen's credibility and motives were scrutinized.
Impact on the Hush Money Trial
Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump were present throughout the trial, while Tiffany Trump was notably absent. Her involvement in the trial was limited to Cohen's testimony about the extortion attempt.
Defense attorney Blanche pressed Cohen on the importance of fixing Tiffany's situation, to which Cohen responded that it was crucial to handle but not personally significant to him.
Blanche questioned whether Cohen had updated Trump about Tiffany's issue the next morning, to which Cohen replied that he had not. This exchange highlighted the defense's strategy to portray Cohen's communications with Trump as multifaceted and not solely focused on the hush money payments.
Tiffany Trump's Life Since 2016
Tiffany Trump has largely stayed out of the public eye since graduating from Georgetown University Law School in 2020. She married Michael Boulos in 2021 after meeting him in 2018 at Lindsay Lohan's beach club in Greece. Tiffany's social media profiles highlight her academic achievements and family moments, including photos from her wedding and time at the White House.
Her social media also emphasizes her academic background, noting her degree from Georgetown and her role as President of the Cyberlaw Society, a legal club. However, it remains unclear what legal work she has performed since completing law school.
Family Dynamics and Public Profiles
Ivanka Trump played a more significant role during Trump's presidency, serving as a senior advisor in the White House. In contrast, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump focused on managing the Trump Organization. Eric's wife, Lara Trump, also maintained a public profile as a co-chair of the Republican National Committee.
Tiffany's relatively low profile contrasts with her siblings' more public roles, especially during their father's presidency. Her absence from the trial and limited public engagements since her marriage reflect this continued discretion.
Conclusion: A Complex Legal and Personal Narrative
The hush money trial of Donald Trump has been further complicated by Michael Cohen's testimony about the extortion attempt against Tiffany Trump. This revelation highlights the multifaceted nature of Cohen's communications with Trump during the 2016 election. While the trial continues to unfold, the implications of these testimonies add new dimensions to the ongoing legal proceedings.