Trump's New York criminal hush money trial continues into a fifth week of testimony

NEW YORK — Former President Donald Trump's Manhattan criminal trial is expected to continue for another week before the jury begins its deliberation. New York Judge Juan Merchan instructed the parties ahead of testimony on Monday that while he originally hoped to hear closing arguments this week, that would now get pushed to next week.

Prosecutors are nearing the end of their own case. Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen is back on the stand this morning for a fourth day of questioning that is expected to wrap up before lunch. Prosecutors for the Manhattan District Attorney allege Trump committed 34 felony counts of falsified business records — and Cohen is central to proving it.

The duration of Trump's defense is not known, though lawyers previously noted if they call any witnesses it wouldn't take long. Trump could still testify in his defense, as he originally vowed to, though he didn't answer reporters' questions Monday morning about his plan.

Michael Cohen continues his testimony into a second week

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche on Monday morning picked up his cross-examination from last week by questioning whether Cohen would have had a legal retainer to perform legal work for Trump, his family and his organization. Trump argues that the payments to Cohen were simply him paying his own lawyer.

Cohen testified that he has not had retainers with Trump. Blanche questioned Cohen about his features in multiple media outlets, and a farewell email to the Trump Organization, announcing his incoming role as "personal attorney to the President of the United States." They also discussed legal work that Cohen did for Trump, including legal filings, and for then-first lady Melania Trump.

"Did you view this as part of your job?"