Michael Cohen gives wistful Trump trial testimony: ‘I would only answer to him’

The prosecution witness testified about fronting hush-money payments, keeping the ex-president happy and feeling snubbed

When Michael Cohen took the stand in Manhattan court on Monday morning for Donald Trump's criminal hush-money trial, his appearance was poised to mark a watershed moment: a showdown between the ex-president and his former fixer-turned-prosecution witness.

Anyone expecting a courtroom dust-up, however, would leave day one of Cohen's testimony sorely disappointed. Cohen comported himself with civility rather than snark, and calm rather than outrage, with a hint of wistfulness sprinkled in. He sported a tie that could be described as blush pink or pale salmon, perhaps the most conflict-averse color one could wear.