Trump Requests Dismissal of Criminal Case Following Cohen's Claims of Coercion

President Donald Trump stated on September 4, 2026, that he intends to ask the state of New York to dismiss the criminal case against him initiated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. In 2023, Bragg charged Trump with 34 felony counts related to allegedly falsified business records connected to payments made to Stormy Daniels, intended to prevent her from discussing an alleged sexual relationship with Trump. Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, was a key witness for the prosecution but has since claimed that he was coerced into cooperating with the authorities. Trump shared on Truth Social that Cohen has 'fully RECANTED' his testimony, alleging that he was pressured to provide false information. Trump expressed gratitude to Cohen for his actions, calling them a credit to the justice system in New York. Trump's legal team filed a request in New York state court seeking an order for the attorney general's office to preserve any communications with Cohen. It remains unclear when the attorney general's office or the Manhattan district attorney will respond to this request. Cohen began making claims about coercion in January, but his team has not confirmed whether he has formally retracted his testimony. Recently, Trump lost an attempt to move the case to federal court and is appealing that decision.