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Cohen's lawyer launches GoFundMe to help pay his legal fees
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help pay the legal fees of President Trump's former attorney, Michael Cohen. Cohen pleaded guilty to eight federal charges on Tuesday. (EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Cohen's lawyer launches GoFundMe to help pay his legal fees

Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to eight federal charges on Tuesday. The same day, his attorney launched an online fundraiser, pleading for the public's assistance to help pay his client's legal fees.

What happened in court?

President Donald Trump's former attorney struck a deal with federal authorities, pleading guilty to five counts of tax evasion, and one count each of bank fraud, making an excessive campaign contribution and causing an unlawful corporate contribution.

Speaking to the court, Cohen reportedly admitted to the charges against him.

"I participated in this conduct, which on my part took place in Manhattan, for the principal purpose of influencing the [2016] election," Cohen said.

Cohen's attorney is Lanny Davis, former White House special counsel to President Bill Clinton. After Tuesday's hearing, Davis said in a statement: "Michael Cohen took this step today so that his family can move on to the next chapter.

"This is Michael fulfilling his promise made on July 2nd to put his family and country first and tell the truth about Donald Trump. Today, he stood up and testified under oath that Donald Trump directed him to commit a crime by making payments to two women for the principal purpose of influencing an election. If those payment were a crime for Michael Cohen, then why wouldn't they be a crime for Donald Trump?"

How's the fundraising going?

The GoFundMe campaign — dubbed the "Michael Cohen Truth Fund" — had raised roughly $40,000 of its $500,000 goal by noon ET on Wednesday.

Davis appeared on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" and the "Today" show on Wednesday morning to promote his efforts, and ask viewers to kick in some dough for his client.

"In order to get Michael to be able to help, we need help on this fund, MichaelCohenTruthFund.com, we ask everybody to help Michael Cohen tell the truth about Donald Trump," Davis told "Morning Joe."

The Michael Cohen Truth Fund reads: "On July 2, 2018, Michael Cohen declared his independence from Donald Trump and his commitment to tell the truth.

"On August 21, Michael Cohen made the decision to take legal responsibility and to continue his commitment to tell the truth.

"Michael decided to put his family and his country first. Now Michael needs your financial help — to pay his legal fees.

"The Michael Cohen Truth Fund is a transparent trust account, with all donations going to help Michael Cohen and his family as he goes forward on his journey to tell the truth about Donald Trump."

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