During a recent court hearing, Trump attorney Todd Blanche raised the issue of Michael Cohen's FBI interviews being turned over by the US Attorney's Office, suggesting a potential link to the investigation led by former special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
However, Judge Juan Merchan swiftly shut down any attempts to bring up the Russia investigation in the current case, emphasizing that it was not relevant. Merchan firmly stated, 'That's not relevant, what does that have to do with this case? It has nothing to do with this case,' making it clear that he would not allow any evidence related to the Mueller investigation to be presented.
Merchan further warned that any mention of the Mueller investigation would not be admissible in the proceedings, asserting, 'I’m telling you, if you try to introduce something in the Mueller investigation, it’s not coming in.'
Blanche, in response, argued that the FBI discussions regarding Cohen's actions with Trump prior to Trump assuming office could be pertinent to the case at hand. Blanche highlighted Cohen's payment of hush money to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign as a key point of contention.
The exchange in court underscored the strict boundaries set by Judge Merchan regarding the scope of the case and the inadmissibility of any evidence related to the Mueller investigation. The focus remains on the specific details and circumstances surrounding the case, with the judge maintaining a clear stance on keeping extraneous matters out of the courtroom.
