Cohen testifies Trump said ‘just do it’ about payment to Daniels

Michael Cohen, the one-time lawyer for former President Donald Trump, took the stand in the former president’s criminal trial. And a giant billboard collapses in India, killing more than a dozen people and leaving dozens injured. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

Cohen testifies Trump said 'Just do it' about payment to Daniels

Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former attorney, took the stand in New York on Monday, May 13, alleging that the former president not only knew about the $130,000 payment Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels but also authorized it and approved the plan for repayment.

Cohen alleged that during the final days of the 2016 election, Trump told him, “Just do it,” regarding the payment to Daniels. Cohen said that the payment aimed to prevent Daniels from sharing her alleged affair with Trump in 2006 — a situation Cohen deemed “catastrophic” for Trump’s presidential bid.

According to Cohen, Trump expressed concern about Daniels’ story being published, stating, “Women are going to hate me; guys may think it’s cool. But this is going to be a disaster for the campaign.”

While Cohen maintains that the payment was “all about the campaign,” Trump’s defense suggests it aimed to protect his family from embarrassment. Cohen testified that Trump instructed him to delay paying Daniels until after the election, allegedly saying, “Push it out past the election because if I win, it has no relevance, and if I lose, I don’t really care.”

Trump denies any relationship with Daniels and has pleaded not guilty to charges related to payments made to Cohen. Cohen’s testimony continues today with questioning from the prosecution, followed by cross-examination from Trump’s legal team.

Blinken arrives in Kyiv, meets with Zelenskyy

In an unannounced visit Tuesday, May 14, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv, reassuring Ukraine of America’s continued support as the war with Russia persists.

Speaking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Blinken acknowledged this as a "challenging time " but promised help from the US. Congress recently passed a foreign aid package allocating $60 billion to assist Ukraine.

Blinken emphasized that this aid would “make a real difference” in Ukraine’s fight on the battlefield, with much of it directed toward replenishing the country’s artillery and air defense systems.

This marks Blinken’s fourth trip to the Ukrainian capital since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Biden administration unveils new tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles

The Biden administration unveiled a series of new tariffs on Chinese goods on Tuesday morning, impacting $18 billion in imports, including electric vehicles (EVs).

“China’s unfair trade practices concerning technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation are threatening American businesses and workers,” the White House said in a press release announcing the increased tariffs .

The release also highlighted China’s flooding of global markets with artificially low-priced exports.

The new tariffs will take effect over the next three years. Tariffs increasing this year cover goods such as EVs, batteries, solar cells, medical products — including syringes and needles — as well as steel and aluminum. Notably, the tariff rate on EVs will increase from 25% to 100%.

Large billboard collapses, killing at least 14 people in Mumbai

A large billboard collapsed on Monday, May 13, during heavy rain and thunderstorms in Mumbai, resulting in 14 fatalities and 74 injuries. The nearly 100-foot-tall billboard fell over a gas station where police say it was illegally installed.

A rescue operation was ongoing Tuesday morning , and it was unclear how many people may still be trapped.

The rain, accompanied by high winds, caused the 100-foot-tall billboard to fall over a gas station in the suburb of Ghatkopar. At least 47 people were rescued late into the night.

India experiences severe floods during the monsoon season, typically from June to September, which is crucial for agriculture but often causes extensive damage.

Largest remaining collapsed Baltimore bridge span demolished

Crews demolished the largest remaining span of a collapsed bridge in Baltimore, clearing the way for the eventual full return of shipping through one of the busiest sea routes in the U.S.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship named the Dali in March, which lost power and veered off course. As a result, a section of the bridge landed on the grounded container ship. Six people were killed in the collision.

The operation was delayed due to bad weather, but the demolition went according to plan Monday, May 13.

The grounded Dali container ship will now be relocated, allowing traffic to resume through the Port of Baltimore.

Authorities estimate it will cost up to $1.9 billion and take over four years to rebuild the bridge.

Tom Brady to make his NFL broadcast debut on September 8

Tom Brady, widely considered the greatest of all time on the football field, will make his broadcasting debut in September.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion, who signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox, will serve as an analyst alongside Kevin Burkhardt.

His debut will occur on Sept. 8 during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns.

Brady has already showcased his microphone skills during his Netflix roast special, which garnered 2 million views on its premiere night.

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