Podcast Summary
Revolutionizing Leadership with Technology: Technological advancements are transforming leadership in industries like AI, cybersecurity, Cloud computing, and sustainability. Former US President Donald Trump faced criminal charges, but the focus remains on innovation and leadership in the tech-driven world.
Technological advancements are revolutionizing leadership in various industries, from AI and cybersecurity to Cloud computing and sustainability. This was explored in a podcast series from Amazon Web Services. Meanwhile, in the news, former US President Donald Trump faced criminal charges for allegedly falsifying business records during the 2016 election. Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, testified in the trial, stating that he handled various matters for Trump, including personal ones, and reported directly to him. This trial marked the first criminal case against a former US president. Despite the legal proceedings, the conversation around innovation and leadership continues to evolve in today's AI-driven world.
Trump's Former Lawyer's Role in Managing His Public Image: Cohen, who worked closely with Trump for a decade, managed his public image by updating him frequently and lying when necessary, while also having occasional contact with the CEO of AMI prior to his campaign.
During her decade-long tenure at the Trump Organization, Cohen worked closely with Trump and interacted with the press to manage his public image. Trump had an aversion to using email, and Cohen was required to keep him updated on matters and report back to him frequently. Cohen also lied for Trump when necessary to accomplish tasks. Prior to Trump's presidential campaign, Cohen had occasional contact with David Pecker, the CEO of AMI which owned the National Enquirer, and they discussed matters relating to Trump. A meeting between Trump, Cohen, and Pecker was held at Trump's office a few months after Trump's campaign announcement, but the details of the discussion and any agreements made during that meeting have not been disclosed.
AMI helped shape 2016 campaign by suppressing negative stories about Trump: During the campaign, AMI bought a negative story about Trump's affair and suppressed it, ensuring a positive public perception for Trump
During the 2016 presidential campaign, American Media Inc. (AMI), publisher of the National Enquirer, played a significant role in shaping public perception by publishing both positive stories about Donald Trump and negative stories about his opponents. Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, testified that David Pecker, AMI's CEO, had promised to help the campaign by keeping an eye out for negative stories about Trump and preventing them from being released. In one instance, Cohen learned from AMI about a potential negative story involving a former Playboy model's claim of an affair with Trump. Trump was informed immediately, and Cohen arranged for AMI to buy the story for $150,000. The agreement included payments to the woman and publication of articles in AMI's magazines. Cohen testified that Pecker believed the agreement was "bulletproof," indicating that they had successfully suppressed the story.
Trump's secret recording with Cohen about payment to AMI: In 2016, Trump and Cohen discussed setting up an LLC to pay AMI $150,000 for McDougal's story, with Weisselberg involved, to hide the affair and payment from public
Michael Cohen recorded a conversation with Donald Trump in 2016 regarding the purchase of Karen McDougal's story from American Media Inc. (AMI) and the need to pay AMI executive David Pecker. Cohen recorded the conversation to prove to Pecker that Trump was aware of the payment and to ensure his loyalty. The conversation was recorded on Cohen's cell phone and was played in court during the hearing. In the conversation, Trump was discussing setting up a company, an LLC, to handle the payment and keep it separate from Trump. Alan Weisselberg, the chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, was also mentioned in the conversation regarding the funding of the LLC. The payment to AMI for the rights to McDougal's story was $150,000, and Trump was aware of the amount. Cohen's recording of the conversation was an attempt to cover up the payment and the affair between Trump and McDougal.
Allen Weisselberg's Role in Hush Money Payments: Allen Weisselberg, a top executive at the Trump Organization, played a significant role in proposed hush money payments to Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels. He frequently interacted with Michael Cohen on these matters and was instrumental in facilitating any major deals at the Trump Organization.
Allen Weisselberg, who reported directly to Donald Trump at the Trump Organization, played a crucial role in the proposed payment to American Media Inc. (AMI) regarding Karen McDougal's story. Michael Cohen, who had a good relationship with Weisselberg, observed their frequent interactions and confirmed that any significant deals at the Trump Organization would not have been possible without Weisselberg's involvement due to his handling of all finances. Cohen recounted a conversation with Weisselberg about raising funds for the transaction, but they did not discuss creating a separate LLC. Approximately 10 to 12 conversations took place between Cohen and Weisselberg about the McDougal transaction. The deal was ultimately abandoned when AMI paid McDougal directly, and Cohen was instructed to rip up the assignment of rights agreement. The infamous Access Hollywood tape's impact on Trump's campaign was discussed, with Trump wanting Cohen to reach out to media contacts to minimize the damage by portraying it as locker room talk. On the night after the tape's release, Cohen also learned that Stormy Daniels was looking to sell her story publicly.
Discussions about suppressing Stormy Daniels' story during 2016 campaign: Michael Cohen and Dylan Howard discussed acquiring Stormy Daniels' life rights to prevent her affair with Donald Trump from being published during the 2016 campaign. Trump was concerned about the potential fallout for his campaign, particularly among women, and instructed Cohen to push the negotiation past the election.
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Michael Cohen and Dylan Howard discussed the potential impact of Stormy Daniels' alleged affair with Donald Trump coming to light again. Cohen, who had previously worked with Howard and Keith Davidson to suppress a similar story in 2011, understood the gravity of the situation and informed Trump. The group discussed acquiring Daniels' life rights to prevent the story from being published. Trump expressed his concern about the potential fallout for his campaign, particularly among women, and instructed Cohen to push the negotiation past the election. Cohen had already agreed in principle to the terms of a settlement agreement with Daniels by October 11, 2016.
Delaying a settlement during the 2016 election: Trump and his associates attempted to delay a settlement between Trump and Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election, but Daniels ultimately paid the money herself.
During the 2016 presidential election, there were attempts to delay a proposed settlement agreement between Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump to prevent the story of their alleged affair from coming out. Trump reportedly understood that he could no longer delay the transaction and suggested that Daniels and Allen Weisselberg figure out a way to fund it. Weisselberg proposed using a golf course or an event as a vehicle to pay the money, but ultimately, Daniels agreed to pay it herself. Trump was appreciative of her effort, but it's unclear if she was ever reimbursed. The delay tactics were used until after the election, as Trump believed it wouldn't matter then. This revelation comes from a testimony given by Daniels' former lawyer, Michael Cohen, during the American Friction podcast.
Payment to Stormy Daniels was part of an arrangement to keep her quiet: Michael Cohen arranged a payment to Stormy Daniels to prevent her from selling her story, with Trump's approval and reimbursement.
Michael Cohen described a payment to Stormy Daniels as part of an arrangement where he was reimbursed by Donald Trump. Cohen explained that he set up the payment to ensure Daniels did not sell her story to the media, and he wanted Trump's approval for the transaction. After receiving the final non-disclosure agreement, Cohen informed Trump and took credit for completing the task. Cohen had initially pitched for a role as personal attorney to the president but was later given the title after feeling insulted by a smaller-than-expected bonus and delayed reimbursement for the Stormy Daniels payment. Cohen expressed his disappointment and confusion over the situation.
Allen Weisselberg suggested Michael Cohen report $130,000 hush money payment as income instead of reimbursement: Allen Weisselberg asked Michael Cohen to misrepresent a $130,000 payment as income, which was approved by Donald Trump.
Allen Weisselberg, a top executive at the Trump Organization, asked Michael Cohen to bring documentation showing a $130,000 payment for a nondisclosure agreement and then grossed up the amount to $360,000 for tax purposes. Weisselberg suggested Cohen take it as income instead of a reimbursement, and Cohen agreed to be paid $35,000 a month over 12 months for legal services. During this conversation in Trump's office, Weisselberg showed Trump the bank statement, which reflected the $360,000 total and the $35,000 monthly payments. Trump approved the arrangement. This conversation took place after Cohen had already discussed the payment with Weisselberg and received a smaller bonus as a result. Cohen felt insulted by the bonus reduction and sought to be reimbursed for the $130,000 payment.
Michael Cohen admitted to receiving false payments from Donald Trump: Michael Cohen testified that Donald Trump paid him $420,000 through false invoices, disguised as legal fees, instead of the actual purpose: hush money and other payments.
Michael Cohen testified that he received $420,000 from Donald Trump through false invoices, with the money being a repayment for the Stormy Daniels hush money and other payments, not for legal services as previously stated. Cohen admitted to submitting 11 false invoices and receiving 11 checks in 2017, with the descriptions on the check stubs being false. Trump signed the checks, and Cohen recognized his signature. Cohen also received 8 more monthly checks for $35,000 each, all accompanied by false check stubs. Cohen did minimal work for Trump in 2017 and did not bill for it. Trump called Cohen after the FBI raid in 2018 to reassure him, which was important to Cohen due to the unprecedented situation.
Trump's public support of Cohen reinforced his loyalty: Cohen's family urged him to prioritize loyalty, leading him to plead guilty to campaign finance violations and express regret for his actions and association with Trump
During the FBI raids on Michael Cohen's home, office, and hotel room, Donald Trump publicly communicated loyalty and support to Cohen, urging him not to "flip" on him. Cohen testified that these statements reinforced his loyalty and intention to stay loyal. However, in the months following the raids, Cohen had conversations with his family, who urged him to prioritize his loyalty to them. Ultimately, Cohen decided to listen to his family and pleaded guilty to making excessive campaign contributions on behalf of Trump to silence Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, in order to help Trump's election chances. Cohen expressed regret for his past actions and association with Trump, admitting that he violated his moral compass in the process.
Insights and analysis on the American election from experts and commentators: Stay informed about the American election with 'American Friction', a new podcast produced by the makers of 'Oh God What Now', 'The Bunker', and 'Papercuts'.
The American election is a major topic of interest and confusion for many people, and that the new podcast "American Friction" aims to provide insight and analysis from leading experts and commentators every Friday. The podcast is produced by the makers of "Oh God What Now," "The Bunker," and "Papercuts," and is available on various podcast platforms. Additionally, a sponsor message was included for HelloFresh, a meal kit delivery service, encouraging listeners to try new dinner options. The tone of the discussion was light and conversational, with hosts Katie Riley, Todd Blanch, Jacob Jarvis, Chris Jones, and Nikki McKen Ramirez discussing the importance of staying informed about the election. The sponsor message was integrated seamlessly into the conversation, with Kiki Palmer promoting HelloFresh as a way to add excitement to dinner time. Overall, the podcast promises to provide valuable information about the election in an engaging and accessible way.