Michael Cohen Takes Stand in Trump’s New York Trial; Israel Marks Somber Memorial Day

Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, took the witness stand in New York on May 13, with prosecutors hoping to use his testimony to make their case in the former president’s so-called hush money trial. Mr. Cohen originated the claims that led to the 34-count criminal indictment of President Trump, alleging that 11 invoices he billed and their corresponding check payments and vouchers were falsified business records created to cover up a scheme designed to influence the 2016 election. In his testimony, Mr. Cohen described working with the National Enquirer to suppress negative stories about Trump in the run-up to the presidential election.

Just blocks away from the Trump proceedings, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) went on trial in Manhattan federal court, accused of accepting bribes of gold and cash to use his influence to deliver favors that would help three New Jersey businessmen. Mr. Menendez, 70, sat with his lawyers and listened as Judge Sidney H. Stein told several dozen prospective jurors about the charges against Mr. Menendez and two of the businessmen. The judge said the trial was expected to last up to seven weeks.

Israel marked its first memorial day for fallen soldiers and the victims of terror since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivering a speech at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. Mr. Netanyahu also promised to continue the war until all hostages are returned and the Hamas terrorist organization is dismantled. The commemorative events were interrupted by protests, heckling, and violence. In a phone call to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Israel's Defense Minister said the IDF is conducting a “precision operation” in Rafah. Mr. Blinken reiterated the Biden administration’s opposition to a full-scale ground invasion of Rafah, but declined to provide a “red line” that would cause the United States to cease backing Israel.