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Copywriter Cover Letter

A copywriter's job is to write ad copy, website content, email communications, and more. It requires constant creativity and an innate talent for the work. When writing your cover letter, you will want to show your creativity, but also your qualifications and ability to do the work. Use our template to help you write a great cover letter.

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Copywriter Cover Letter Template

Start applying for copywriter jobs today with our targeted cover letter template in MS Word format.

Copywriter Cover Letter Template:

[Full Name] [Email Address] [Contact Number] [LinkedIn Profile/website link]

[Date] [Company Name] Experienced and passionate Copywriter applying for [insert name of specific Copywriter position]

Dear [insert hiring manager’s title and last name or their first name] ,

I found your advertisement for the Copywriter position and am very interested in applying. My experience in copywriting and ability to [insert #1 skill] and [insert #2 skill] make me the perfect candidate for the job. I know my skillset and industry knowledge will be invaluable to [insert name of the company/organization] .

I am most impressed by [insert notable milestones or characteristics you appreciate about the company/institution] and have some great ideas of my own to contribute. When I worked on [mention a successful project/initiative you were involved in] , we managed to [insert the result(s) of the project] . I believe your [insert a project or company initiative you are especially interested in] will make waves in the industry and I would feel privileged to be a part of such an innovative team.

In my role as a Copywriter, I achieved [insert accomplishment(s) and strengthen it with a percentage, if possible] , which improved [mention the effect this accomplishment had on the organization or company in question] . Most recently, I attended [insert relevant workshops/courses/training you’ve completed] that helped me sharpen my [insert key skills or valuable attributes] .

I have attached my resume and [mention any other documents or work samples that were requested, if applicable] . If you like my ideas, I have many more I’d like to discuss with you.

Sincerely, [Insert full name]

How to Write a Copywriter Cover Letter:

A complete guide that highlights the steps you need to take to build a professional copywriter cover letter.

Address your cover letter to a specific person.

Address your cover letter to the hiring manager..

Research the company you are applying to and find the name of the hiring manager. Address your cover letter directly to that person using either their title and last name or the first name.

Start with a great hook.

Discuss the position you're applying for..

Briefly describe what position you are applying for and where you saw the job advertisement. Then, sell yourself with a great hook that will catch the recruiter's attention and show them why you would be an asset to the company.

Show off your knowledge of the company.

Mention recently released items or news about the company..

With the research you have done on the company, mention some recent products, projects, news, or characteristics that you liked or were impressed with. This shows the company that you are interested in working for them, especially if you can relate your work history to the news or characteristics you've mentioned.

Showcase your skills.

Exhibit your skills and back them up with quantifiable data..

Use examples from your resume to show the recruiter why you're the best candidate for the position. While you should mention particular technical skills that were noted in the job advertisement, you should also demonstrate your soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and implementing feedback to improve your work.

Cite the results of your work as much as possible and include quantifiable data where possible. When it comes to technical skills, web and mobile experience and design skills are very much in demand for copywriters. If you have any skills or experience in these areas, be sure to highlight them in your cover letter.

Remember not to copy and paste from your resume but rather use your cover letter to expand on the skills and experience noted in your resume.

End with a call to action.

Grab the recruiters attention..

End your cover letter by drawing the recruiter's attention to your attached resume and work samples (if requested) and invite them to contact you. Sign off your letter with an appropriate salutation, such as "sincerely," and your full name.

Edit your cover letter.

Carefully comb through your cover letter for any errors..

As a copywriter, you will not only be showing off your skills with examples from your work history but also with your writing style in your cover letter. It is essential that you write clean, concise copy with no spelling or grammar mistakes.

Before sending off your application, go over your cover letter, fix any errors, and make sure your sentences are to the point . This will probably be the most important step in writing your copywriter cover letter. Many recruiters will simply throw out your application if you have made basic errors, like spelling mistakes, in your writing.

Writing Tip:

Show that you can understand and follow guidelines by tailoring your writing to the specific copywriter position you are applying for. This will showcase your ability to target your audience and sell your personal brand.

Similar Cover Letters:

• Marketing Coordinator .
• Web Developer .
• Graphic Designer .
• Social Media Manager .
• Technical Writer .

How do you write a copywriter cover letter?

• Address your cover letter to a specific person .
• Start with a great hook .
• Show off your knowledge of the company .
• Exhibit your skills with quantifiable data .
• End with a call to action .
• Edit your cover letter .

What information should be included in a copywriter cover letter?

• Past work experience with measurable results.
• Relevant technical and soft skills.
• Research on the company.

What skills should I put in a copywriter cover letter?

A copywriter cover letter should include technical skills, such as SEO editing, web design, UX, excel, HTML, CSS, keyword research, target audience analysis, content strategy, image optimization, Photoshop, typography, and print design. You should also include soft skills such as creativity, taking criticism, research, time management, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Related Articles:

How to write a cover letter, common cover letter mistakes, copywriter resume, best cover letter generators, the 12 best cover letter tips for 2024.

How To Write an Effective Cover Letter for a Copywriter (With Examples)

Introduction:

As a copywriter applying for remote jobs, your cover letter can make or break your chances of success. Your cover letter is your opportunity to grab the employer’s attention, showcase your skills and experience, and convince them that you are the right fit for the job. In this blog post, we will discuss how to write an effective cover letter for a copywriter, focusing on what to include and how to format it.

• Research the company:

Before you start writing your cover letter, research the company and the job you are applying for. Look for information such as the company’s mission statement, their core values, and the type of client they serve. This information will help you tailor your cover letter, ensuring that it aligns with the company’s goals and values.

• Start with a strong opening:

Your opening paragraph should grab the employer’s attention and make them want to read on. Start with a strong and engaging sentence that highlights your passion for copywriting and the job you are applying for.

• Showcase your skills:

The next paragraph should focus on your skills and experience. Highlight specific examples of past work or achievements that demonstrate your copywriting skills. Make sure to mention any specialized skills, such as SEO expertise or experience with a particular industry.

• Explain why you’re the right fit:

Your cover letter should explain why you are the best fit for the job. This means highlighting how your skills and experience align with the company’s goals and values. You should also indicate why you want to work for the company specifically, rather than just any remote job.

• End with a call to action:

Your final paragraph should end with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for an interview or more information. Make sure to thank the employer for considering your application and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Conclusion:

Writing an effective cover letter for a copywriter takes time and effort but can make all the difference. By researching the company, starting with a strong opening, showcasing your skills, explaining why you’re the right fit, and ending with a call to action, you can create a compelling cover letter that stands out from the competition. In our next blog post, we will discuss how to format your cover letter for maximum impact.

Example Cover Letters

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I was thrilled to see the opening for a copywriter at [Company Name]. As a creative writer with experience in crafting engaging copy for various brands, I believe I would be a great fit for the role.

I have experience writing copy for both print and digital mediums, creating content for websites, email marketing campaigns, social media, and advertising. Additionally, I have experience collaborating with designers and marketing teams to ensure the tone and message of the copy aligns with the overall brand strategy.

[Personalized information about the company - this could be about the company's mission, recent projects, or values.]

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and creativity to [Company Name] and help the team create impactful content. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

[Your Name]

I am thrilled to be applying for the Copywriter position at [Company Name]. As a passionate writer with over [Number of Years] years of experience in crafting compelling copy, I am confident in my ability to bring a unique perspective to the team.

After researching [Company Name]'s mission, values, and previous work, I believe my creative skills and dedication to producing high-quality content align well with the company's goals. Throughout my career, I have honed my ability to write in various styles and tones while consistently delivering work on time.

I am particularly impressed with [Company Name]'s recent project on [Specific Project]. I would be excited to contribute to similar endeavors by bringing my experience and creativity to the table.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Best regards,

I am very excited to apply for the copywriter position at [Company Name]. As a passionate writer with experience in creating engaging content for various industries, I believe I am a great fit for your team.

After researching [Company Name], I'm impressed by the unique and innovative approach you take to solve problems in your clients' industries. Being part of a team that leads the market in creativity, strategy and implementation is a huge motivator for me.

I have experience writing copy for several mediums such as websites, social media, newsletters and direct-mail campaigns. I'm skilled in developing content that engages audiences and delivers the right messaging that aligns with your company objectives. I believe I could bring a lot of value to your team.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing the possibility of joining your team.

Writing an effective cover letter for a Copywriter job can be challenging, but with these tips in mind, you can make a great first impression with potential employers. Remember to customize your cover letter to the company and job description, highlight your relevant experience and skills, and keep it concise and informative.

One of your next steps should be to prepare a great CV. You can find more advice on this on our CV preparation guide .

If you are looking for remote Copywriting jobs, be sure to check out our dedicated page for remote Copywriting jobs .

After submitting your application, it's time to prepare for interviews. Be ready to discuss your experience in detail and highlight your skills and achievements. Good luck on your job search!

If you're preparing for your interviews, we're here to help! We've created comprehensive guides that cover interview questions and answers for various copywriter specializations, including SEO copywriting , Advertising copywriting , Social media copywriting , Email marketing copywriting , and Technical copywriting .

8 Copywriter Cover Letter Examples

Copywriters are skilled wordsmiths, adept at creating compelling content that hooks readers and drives action. Similarly, your cover letter is your personal sales pitch, a crafted narrative that hooks recruiters, showcasing your skills, experiences, and unique value proposition. In this guide, we'll delve into top-notch Copywriter cover letter examples, helping you to pen a persuasive introduction that leaves a lasting impression.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Copywriter cover letter is by grabbing the reader's attention with a compelling introduction. This could be a brief anecdote about your experience in copywriting, a unique skill you possess, or a significant achievement in your career. It's also important to mention the company's name and the specific role you're applying for to show that your letter is personalized and not generic. This approach not only demonstrates your writing skills but also shows your enthusiasm and interest in the role and the company.

Copywriters should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and their qualifications. They should also express enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the company. For instance, they could say, "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique skills and experiences to your team, and I am confident that I could provide significant value to your company." It's also important to thank the reader for their time and consideration. Finally, they should include a call to action, such as, "I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further," followed by their contact information. This ending is professional, courteous, and leaves the reader with a positive impression.

A Copywriter's cover letter should ideally be about one page long or around 300-500 words. This length is enough to succinctly introduce yourself, explain why you're interested in the role, showcase your relevant skills and experience, and express your enthusiasm for the company. As a copywriter, your cover letter is also a demonstration of your writing skills. It should be concise, engaging, and free of errors. Too long of a cover letter can lose the reader's interest, while too short may not provide enough information about your qualifications.

Writing a cover letter with no direct experience as a Copywriter can seem challenging, but it's important to remember that every professional starts somewhere. Here's how you can approach it: 1. **Research**: Understand the company you're applying to and the role you're interested in. This will help you tailor your cover letter to their specific needs and values. 2. **Introduction**: Start your cover letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Make sure to mention where you found the job listing. 3. **Highlight Relevant Skills**: Even if you don't have direct copywriting experience, you might have relevant skills that can be applied to the role. For example, if you've done any writing in your previous jobs or during your education, make sure to highlight that. If you've worked in marketing, sales, or any other role that required persuasive communication, those experiences are also relevant. 4. **Showcase Your Knowledge**: Demonstrate your understanding of what copywriting involves. You can mention any relevant courses you've taken, books you've read, or any other ways you've educated yourself about copywriting. 5. **Provide Examples**: If you have any samples of your writing, even if they're not specifically copywriting, make sure to mention them. If you have a blog, or if you've written articles, reports, or anything else that showcases your writing skills, include them. 6. **Express Enthusiasm**: Show your passion for copywriting and the company you're applying to. This can make up for a lack of experience. 7. **Closing**: In your closing paragraph, thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express your interest in discussing your application further. Remember, everyone starts with no experience at some point. What's important is showing that you have the potential to learn and grow in the role.

Related Cover Letters for Copywriters

Journalist cover letter.

Copywriter Cover Letter

Editor cover letter.

Content Writer Cover Letter

Technical Writer Cover Letter

Freelance Copywriter Cover Letter

Senior copywriter cover letter, creative copywriter cover letter, advertising copywriter cover letter, seo copywriter cover letter, marketing copywriter cover letter, junior copywriter cover letter, related resumes for copywriters, copywriter resume example.

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3 Copywriter Cover Letter Examples Standing Out in 2024

• Copywriter Cover Letter
• Copywriter No Experience Cover Letter
• Editor/Copywriter Cover Letter
• Write Your Copywriter Cover Letter

As a copywriter, you’re more than just a wordsmith—you’re a creative strategist with a knack for data analysis. Every piece of copy you create is tailored to match the target audience.

You’ve written countless social media posts, newsletters, blog posts, press releases, and product descriptions, so you know how to convert casual readers into customers. That skill will come in handy when writing a cover letter to complement your copywriter resume .

We’ve analyzed thousands of job descriptions to determine what will give you the best chance of success. Check out our copywriter cover letter examples and tips to land a new job!

Copywriter Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• And instead of just stating that you’re capable, demonstrate it through a narrative of your past experiences, using numbers to validate your claims. For example, perhaps you produced engaging content that increased organic search traffic by 30% quarter after quarter.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Copywriter No Experience Cover Letter Example

• See how Amir brings up how different social media platforms drive traffic to Amazon. This approach serves a dual purpose: It shows you did your homework on the company and sets the tone for the rest of your piece.

Editor/Copywriter Cover Letter Example

• For instance, you could say you are eager to harness the content optimization techniques and audience engagement strategies you’ve mastered to enhance digital presence and customer interaction at the hiring company. Be sure to specify your goals in alignment with the company’s objectives.

Related cover letter examples

• Copywriter resume
• Social media manager
• Digital marketing

How to Format a Copywriter Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter for a copywriter position might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually not too far off from the things you do for a living. It all comes down to identifying the target audience, learning everything about them, and ensuring your cover letter hits all the beats and ticks all the boxes.

Therefore, it’s important to read the job description carefully and certify you’re updating your cover letter to match. Copywriting roles can vary based on the company, ranging from an editor to a blog writer, so make sure your cover letter reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the fact that you know what it’s all about.

Copywriter cover letter introduction

Just as good ad copy starts with a strong hook, your cover letter needs to do the same. Recruiters won’t cut you any slack here!

For starters, dig into the research and try to find out the name of the person you’re sending your cover letter to so that you can personalize your greeting. If your research is fruitless, settle for a “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company] Team.”

With the greeting out of the way, spend some time crafting the perfect opening paragraph. It should explain why you’re the right copywriter for this job, so don’t be shy and mention a key skill of yours that the company seeks, such as SEO optimization. Make a personal connection with the company to seal the deal.

The below opener just doesn’t work. It’s dull, and as a copywriter, showcasing creativity in every paragraph is paramount.

Boring…

I saw your job listing online and I wanted to apply for this copywriting job.

This is so much better! The candidate instantly gets into why they’re a good fit for the role, and they even use numbers to make their claims pop.

Compelling!

With Amazon registering 58.1% of referrals from YouTube and 12.4% from Facebook, I’m enthusiastic about bringing my skills to Amazon as a social media Intern at your Seattle office. My experience spans content creation, hashtag research, and more, and I’m confident all those elements will help invigorate Amazon’s expansive sphere.

Copywriter cover letter body

You know better than anyone that working as a copywriter doesn’t just mean being able to write good copy. Your success is always measured by important metrics, from conversions to open rates, so utilize that for your cover letter. 

In the body paragraphs, focus on highlighting the wins you’re most proud of and those that align well with the job description . 

You could, for instance, talk about how your content strategy increased web traffic by 40% within 6 months, and how you used tools like SEMRush and Google Analytics to achieve that.

Let’s flip it around and imagine the job you’re applying for strongly focuses on social media. In such instances, mention how you collaborated with the design team using Adobe Creative Suite to craft exciting Instagram posts, increasing social media shares by 39%.

That’s so impressive!

In my recent role as senior copywriter at Phase2, I leveraged my SEO and keyword research knowledge to optimize web content, driving a 12.7% increase in organic search traffic over six months. My proficiency with tools like SEMrush and Google Keyword Planner allowed me to target high-value phrases, significantly improving our content’s discoverability in an increasingly competitive market.

Copywriter cover letter closing

High-quality copy stays consistent and engaging throughout, and so should your cover letter. The closing paragraph and signoff can help you create a memorable farewell with recruiters picking up the phone to call you right away.

Use this paragraph to emphasize that you’re a good fit. This means researching the company culture and mission and mentioning it to score some brownie points. For instance, if you’re applying to work at a marketing startup, mention how you’re no stranger to that fast-paced and goal-oriented mindset.

Don’t forget to mention your excitement about discussing your copywriting skills further. You can also include a key skill, such as your expertise in brand research, to emphasize what you’ll bring to the role.

This closer is much too generic to impress a recruiter seeking copywriters. It doesn’t show that the candidate did any research.

That didn’t work…

I want an office job and I can start right away so please let me know if you want to hire me.

Now, this is much more impressive. The candidate highlights their experience and what they’re able to bring to the job.

My experiences with Neiman Marcus, Securus Technologies, and EnLink Midstream have allowed me to wield WordPress, personalize content, utilize information architecture, and produce multimedia content effectively. Joining Southwest Airlines’ team would enable me to bring these skills to the forefront, enhancing customer experiences and their interaction with your brand. I’m eager for the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way.

As a copywriter, you’re no stranger to in-depth research, so put those skills to good use when you write your opener. Check the company website, LinkedIn, and job description , or perhaps even reach out to someone you know who works there before sending your application.

Anything that showcases your ability to craft copy that engages and converts is worth mentioning. Include metrics like increases in organic search rankings or website traffic, social media following, or ROI on marketing campaigns.

There’s a lot of overlap between copywriting and other jobs, such as marketer, content writer, SEO specialist, or brand manager. Try to lean into transferable skills and include examples of your copy to show you’re ready for the job.

Copywriter Cover Letter Sample

A copywriter cover letter sample is a great opportunity to sell your talents and highlight your greatest strengths, but it also requires a certain degree of forethought and planning. If you want us to give you a hand making a cover letter, we’re always ready. Choose a professional template and save your time for more important tasks ahead. If you’d like to learn how to write a cover letter yourself, let’s explore all the necessary steps!

Cover Letter for a Copywriter - Example

A skilled copywriter knows how to make words sing and find a compelling cover letter format, getting their audience’s attention and gaining trust. Copywriters don’t just write; they communicate. They find ways to deliver messages that resonate with readers.

Your cover letter should be adjusted to the role you’re applying to. It should explain the type of work you’ve done in the past and prove you’re an excellent fit. Make sure to highlight your accomplishments corresponding to the employer’s requirements. Look through the sample below to get the idea. 

Your name, position, and contact details

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[345 Company Address]

[Company City, State xxxxx]

[[email protected]]

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms.] [Manager’s Name],

Kindly consider looking over this application from a highly motivated and knowledgeable professional who wishes to apply for the [position] starting [date] at your

In my role at CopyWorld as a Junior SEO Copywriter, I have composed landing pages and guest posts that contributed to increasing the company’s organic traffic by 50% in less than 2 months. Cooperating with editors and SEO specialists, I was praised for high writing quality and 30% of overperformance during the last quarter. 

I would be grateful for the opportunity to show my talent and be of help to you and your company. 

Sincerely, 

[Your Name] 

Your copywriter cover letter examples should also reference any existing projects, and they should end with a call to action, such as a request for an interview. Crafting a cover letter can be intimidating, but there is a way to make it easier. Use our sample cover letters as a guide and customize them to your situation!

Copywriter Cover Letter Template

Every best copywriter cover letter you come across follows the same set of rules, so make sure to follow them carefully. 

• Use Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial fonts.
• Include the job title and company name, as well as address, but make sure to check them twice!
• Use 1,15 line spacing and 1 inch-margins for a modern cover letter.
• Body section of the letter should be 2-3 paragraphs long.
• Include a signature, heading, and contact info. 

Here are some Google Docs cover letter templates that are modern, stylish, and ready to use in your job application.

Ultimate Guide on How to Write a Copywriter Cover Letter

A cover letter copywriter must attract potential employers’ attention and show you in the best possible light. A great cover letter for copywriting jobs should detail your achievements and explain how you can help the company. Your cover letter should end with a statement encouraging the hiring manager to contact and interview you.

Keep in mind our writers are here to assist you at any time with professional help guides, affordable options, and top-notch service. Remember, professional cover letter service is just a click away!

Now, let’s explore how to format your letter.

Apply Efficient Cover Letter Formatting

Cover letter formatting is probably the most important task to tackle. It helps you structure your thoughts and makes the process much more manageable. Here are the main parts of the cover letter framework.

• Date and company details
• Closing paragraph

Now, let’s zoom in on each one of those to find out more about a cover letter for copywriter job!

Cover Letter Heading

The heading of your cover letter copywriter example is the first piece of writing your potential hiring manager will notice, so make sure it’s nice and polished. We’ll show the most common way of writing this section. You can check out additional tips on our site, too.

Cover Letter Heading - Copywriter Example

The heading consists of your name and the position you’re applying for, followed by your address and contact info. Here is a corresponding cover letter example copywriter.

Joanna Brie

Creative Copywriter

588 Copy Drive 

Austin, TX, 78414 United States

(445) 785-9110

[email protected]

Date and Company Details on a Cover Letter

After you’ve crafted a heading, company details are to be placed on the copywriter cover letter. First, put the application’s date, then your hiring manager’s name, company name, and address. This is vital information, so make sure what you wrote is more than correct.

Data and Company Details - Copywriter Example

Here’s an example of inserting data and company details after the heading in a cover letter for copywriter.

29 February 2020

Creative Solutions Company

557 Busy Rd.

City, NY, 55896

Cover Letter Greeting

Your greeting for the hiring manager or employer on the cover letter for writing job is also very important. Use the recruiter’s name after the most common greeting starter, Dear . If you don’t know the name, we’ll show some alternatives, not including the infamous To Whom It May Concern where it is undesirable .

Cover Letter Greeting - Copywriter Example

The cover letter greeting is fairly simple. If you know the exact name, use this form from the copywriter cover letter example:

• Dear Mr. Brown

If you don’t know the name, substitute the greeting by

• Dear Hiring Manager;
• Dear Sir or Madam.

Copywriter Cover Letter Body

Here’s a quick answer on how to write a cover letter for a copywriting job at best copywriting services . Your cover letter body should be two to three paragraphs long, with the first paragraph containing your introduction. The following paragraphs explain each of your accomplishments, position, and your skills that can benefit the company.

Cover Letter Body - Copywriter Example

Here’s a body of a cover letter sample for writing job:

I am writing to apply for the copywriter position at Creative Solutions, as I find my skills and experience matching the position perfectly. I have over 10 years of solid background writing copy for print, television, radio advertising, marketing materials, and promotional pieces.

Closing Paragraph for Cover Letter

The closing paragraph of the sample cover letter for copywriter allows you to establish a stronger connection with the person who’s reading your application. You have an opportunity to use some call-to-action techniques, like inserting an email address, phone number, or LinkedIn account info. Thus, you’ll boost your chances of getting hired!

Closing Paragraph - Copywriter Example

Here’s a short and sweet example of closing your copywriter cover letter:

I believe that my work experience, creative skills, and commitment to excellence are assets that I can bring to your organization. 

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information.

[YOUR NAME]

[EMAIL ADDRESS]

Showcase Your Copywriting Skills

Here’s another fantastic piece of advice to consider: talk about your skills, not your past responsibilities, in your cover letter for copywriter. You can mention your familiarity with various marketing platforms and trends, including SEO, email marketing, PPC, social media, and blogging as hard skills during your job application. Don’t forget the soft skills to be considered by the applicant tracking system (ATS)!

You can also talk about how copywriting is integral to every marketing campaign. For example, let’s say you have 10 years of experience in email marketing - talk about how, in that role, you developed strong copywriting skills.

Study the Company You’re Applying To

For your cover letter for writing job, you should research the company you’re applying to. You can learn about the company by looking keywords up on websites like Wikipedia and Investopedia or finding news articles online. You can also find press releases and annual reports on company websites that talk about its values, goals, products, and strategy.

If you find an online article that mentions the company, be sure to save it so you can use it as a reference later in your cover letter. Also, match the content of your letter to the job description to make sure your application beats bots.

What to Take Away

Let’s summarize everything we’ve covered when crafting a sample cover letter copywriter for you.

• Format the cover letter first. In other words, work from the ground up. 
• Talk about your copywriting qualification and key skills more than your experiences.
• Shape the body using 2-3 short paragraphs at most.
• Close the letter with an appreciation for the opportunity given by the hiring manager.
• Insert a call to action at the end. 

‍ If the process seems overwhelming, our team of experts at SkillHub is here for you with their cover letter guides and affordable resume writing service . Your copywriting cover letter will be read with enjoyment, and you will surely land an interview!

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Still Got Questions? We Have Answers!

What is the free app to create a cover letter.

Freesumes offers a popular free cover letter generator with premium-like features and without any account registration requirements. Use an intuitive online interface to write, design, and download a cover letter in PDF format.

Are there any 100% free cover letter templates?

Yes, Freesumes cover letter builder comes with a choice of 6 free professionally-designed cover letter templates. We also offer several more styles as direct downloads . Each template is optimized for optimal visibility and empowers you to make a strong first impression with a potential employer.

Do companies still like cover letters?

Absolutely. Every company expects to receive at least a short cover letter alongside other requested job application documents. In fact, a cover letter is your best marketing tool. Use it to give a preview of your skills and articulate your motivation for pursuing the advertised role. 

How can I create my own cover letter?

You can effortlessly create your own cover letter with Freesumes cover letter maker. The app guides you through each cover letter section, suggesting which information to put first. Once you’re happy with the result, you can instantly download a cover letter version, packed in a selected template in PDF format.

Should you sell yourself in a cover letter?

A hundred times YES. An effective cover letter will convince a potential employer that you’re the best fit for the job by selling your skills, qualifications, and personality. Using words, you should paint a picture of the future impact you could have in the company and articulate how your past experience could help the company hit its goals.

Which template is best for a cover letter?

The choice of a cover letter template depends on your industry. If you’re applying to a more traditional company, opt for a minimalistic cover letter template in black and white or gray scale. If you’re after a job in a more hyp, startup-like company, consider a more creative template, perhaps one featuring a photo or a professional tagline on top.

What does a modern cover letter look like?

A modern cover letter is a one-page, web-friendly document, most times in PDF format. Use an appropriate professional greeting (hello, hi) and the person’s or company name, instead of the old-fashioned “dear Sir/Madam” or the trite “To whom it may concern”. Modern cover letters are also more permissive in terms of design. You can use color (as long as it doesn’t affect readability) and include a headshot and professional tagline in the header area for  personal branding purposes.

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Cover Letter to Maximize Chances of Getting the Job

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Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)

Give someone who knows nothing about cooking the ingredients to a perfect meal and you’ll end up with a disorganized, very possibly inedible, meal. 

The same disorganized, quite possibly tasteless, fate awaits your cover letter if you don’t know how to properly format it. 

Getting the cover letter format right is the same as having those coveted cooking skills that can turn the right ingredients into a meal that leaves you wanting more.

Now, if you’re wondering whether your formatting skills are enough to impress recruiters, there’s no need to worry. 

This article is going to show you exactly how to format a cover letter the right way. 

Here’s what we’re going to cover: 

• What Should Go On a Cover Letter?
• How to Format Your Cover Letter
• (Free) Cover Letter Templates You Can Use
• How to Format Your Cover Letter When Sending It Via Email

The Best Cover Letter Format - What Goes on a Cover Letter

Your cover letter’s format is both how your cover letter looks and how it’s structured. 

So, cover letter formatting includes everything from page margins, spacing, and font size to how long your cover letter should be, how many paragraphs it should have, and what each paragraph should contain. 

Pretty substantial, if you ask us - which is exactly why we’ll go over these elements one by one. Before we do, however, let’s first get the essentials out of the way. 

What exactly goes into a cover letter? The short answer is as follows:  

• A header , which contains your contact information and the employer’s or recruiter’s contact information.
• A greeting to the recruiter and the opening paragraph , which you want to use to grab the reader’s attention.
• The body of your cover letter , which is between 1-3 paragraphs.
• A closing paragraph , which usually contains a call to action.
• A formal salutation .

And here’s what that looks like in practice: 

A Look into Your Cover Letter Format, by Section

In theory, all these rules are pretty straightforward...

But if you’ve ever written a cover letter before, you’ll probably agree with us that actually writing one ain’t all that simple.

In this section, we’ll take you through the entire process of creating a cover letter, section by section!

Starting with:

#1. Header 

Your cover letter’s header should contain your contact info, the date, and the hiring manager’s or employer’s contact info. 

If you’re wondering which contact information you should include and which you should leave out, here are the essentials: 

• Full name and professional title (where applicable) 
• Phone number
• Name and professional title of the hiring manager
• Name of the company you’re applying to 
• Company address 

Here’s a visual representation of this: 

If you want to know more about header formatting, such as what you can optionally include and what you should definitely leave out, head over to our guide on how to start a cover letter . 

#2. Greeting 

After listing your contact information, it’s time to address the cover letter . 

First things first: the impersonal and overly popular “To Whom It May Concern” and “Dear Sir/Madam” are yesterday’s news. They’re impersonal and just about every other applicant uses them. 

And you want your cover letter to stand out, right?

So, greet the hiring manager directly, instead. For example: 

Dear Mr. Brown, Dear Mrs. Waldorf,

If, however, you are unsure about their title, gender, marital status, or pronouns, use their entire name to avoid any mistakes, such as: 

Dear Alex Brown, Dear Blair Waldorf,

Alternatively, the recruiter may hold a title, such as Doctor, Professor, or sergeant, or you might be addressing a letter without a contact person. 

In such cases, here are some do-s and don’t-s to keep in mind: 

Dear John Doe, Dear Mr./Mrs. Doe, Dear Dr. Leonard, Dear Rev. Owen, Dear Marketing Hiring Team, Dear Director of Marketing,

To Whom It May Concern, What’s Up Hiring Team, Dear Sir/Madam, Hey John, Hi there Hiring Team,

#3. Opening Paragraph 

The opening paragraph of your cover letter is where the recruiter first gets to really hear your voice. As such, you’ve got to make it count and grab their attention before they move on to the next applicant.  

And how exactly do you do that? Well, for starters, avoid being generic. You don’t want your opening paragraph to sound as if you’re applying to dozens of jobs with the same letter.

Instead, you want your opening paragraph to mention:

• Your name, profession, and years of experience.
• 1-2 of your top achievements (to help you stand out).
• The name of the firm and position you’re applying for.

Here’s what this would look like in a cover letter:

My name is Ellen and I’d like to join Company X as a marketing expert. I believe that my 5+ years of experience as a marketing specialist, as well as my skills in PPC management and copywriting, will help me drive new users to your platform Additionally, I believe that my past experience in the financial industry will help me excel at the role.

Struggling with writing your own cover letter introduction? Check out our guide on how to start a cover letter effectively! 

#4. Cover Letter Body 

The body of your cover letter usually consists of 1-3 paragraphs and is where you convince the recruiter that you're the right person for the job.

We have a few pointers to help you do that:

• Don’t just rehash your CV. The recruiter already read it. Instead, use your cover letter to elaborate on your achievements and back them up with even more evidence. 
• Understand the job requirements. Check the requirements for the position in the job listing, see how you can match them with your strengths and qualifications, and use the body of your cover letter to show you’re a good fit for the job. 
• Research the company. Also important is to show that you match the company’s culture. Read up about the company you’re applying for and learn what’s their product/service, what are they known for, what kind of culture they have, and so on. Then, in your cover letter, mention a bit about the company’s culture and talk about how you’re a good fit.

And here’s hows the body of your cover letter would look like in practice: 

In my previous role as a Marketing Expert, I also handled the company’s Digital Marketing. During the course of one year, I managed the company’s monthly Facebook ad budget, which amounted to $20,000+ and the process of ad creation and management end-to-end. The process involved creating ad copies, images, picking out the targeting, running optimization trials, and so on. 

In addition to Facebook advertising, I am also knowledgeable in other Pay Per Click channels, such as: 

I actually learned a lot about PPC management basics from your company YouTube channel, and really admire how you guys manage your ad accounts. Since I’m already familiar with how Company X handles ads, I believe that I’d be able to really excel at the role.

#5. Closing Paragraph (And a Call to Action) 

Now, how you end a cover letter is just as important as how you start it. 

As you wrap up your cover letter, it’s important to do the following:

• Mention anything that you couldn’t in the previous paragraphs . If you have anything left to say, mention it here. 
• Thank the hiring manager for their time . Good manners go a long way. 
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action . Your cover letter’s last sentence should be a call to action, such as asking the hiring manager to take some sort of action. 

Here’s an example of that: 

In conclusion, thank you for considering my application. I hope I have the chance to help your company take its marketing initiatives to the next level. It would be great to discuss how my experience so far can make that a reality. 

As for your formal salutation, you can use any of the following “tried and tested” greetings: 

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Format Guide 

We went over what goes in your cover letter section by section. However, how your cover letter looks on the outside is just as important. 

Following some standard formatting tips will show the hiring manager that you took the time and put in the effort to hand in the best version of a cover letter, which is sure to help your case. 

Here are the rules that you need to follow: 

• Keep your cover letter between half and one page in length to make sure the recruiter actually reads the whole thing (if you had to read 100+ cover letters, you’d want applicants to stick to one page too). That’s between 250-400 words long . 
• Use 1 or 1.5 line spacing throughout your text , and double spacing between paragraphs. 
• Go for a simple and readable font and set your font size to 11 or 12 pts . Using custom fonts may seem like a good idea, but there’s no guarantee the hiring manager’s computer will have that specific font installed.
• Save your cover letter in PDF format to make sure the layout stays the same despite the type of software or Operating System (OS) that opens it. 

Or Choose One of Our Cover Letter Templates 

The cover letter is an inseparable part of any application package. As such, you want your cover letter format to be as impeccable as possible. 

And while the formatting rules we’ve listed above aren’t complicated to follow, you’d rather not take any risks with your cover letter format.  

Want to make sure that your cover letter format is impeccable?

Just use a cover letter template!

The format is done for you - all you have to do is fill in the contents. 

Our cover letter templates are well-designed and guaranteed to leave a good impression on the recruiter!

On top of that, all of our templates come with a matching resume template , ensuring that your job application stands out from the rest.

Sending Your Cover Letter Via Email? Here’s How To Do It! 

It’s safe to assume that nowadays, most cover letters are sent via email. That means that you’re probably submitting your email in one of two ways: 

• Sending it as an email attachment.
• Uploading it to the company’s webpage.

If that’s the case, you’re good with the formatting rules listed above. 

If, however, you’re sending your cover letter in the body of the email, here’s what you need to do differently: 

• Write a professional subject line. The best and safest formula is “Name - Position you’re applying to” (e.g. “Helen Simms - Application for Marketing Expert Position”).
• Remove the header. As the hiring manager’s contact details and the date are no longer necessary, remove the header altogether and place your contact information underneath the formal salutation. 
• Look out for typos. Check your cover letter and then double-check it. Typing on a keyboard can be tricky; sometimes, a typo might just be a matter of fast typing. Avoid that by being extra careful. 

And you’re about ready to press “Send.”

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter format is a big part of the impression your job application can make. As such, it’s important to get the formatting right. 

Here are the main points this article covers to achieve that: 

• Make sure to structure your cover letter the right way. 
• Address your cover letter the right way and write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.
• Wrap up your cover letter with a call to action. 
• Pay attention to the margins, space lining, font size, and cover letter length.
• If you’re sending your cover letter as the body of your email, make sure to tweak the formatting accordingly.  

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Highlights: Michael Cohen testifies in Trump hush money trial

What to know about the trial today

• Star witness Michael Cohen resumed his testimony today about making a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her story about an alleged affair with Donald Trump .
• Trump lawyer Todd Blanche began cross-examination after lunch. He is expected to paint Cohen, Trump's former lawyer and fixer , as a perjurer and convicted felon; Cohen pleaded guilty to several crimes in 2018, including tax fraud and lying to Congress about plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and several potential vice presidential contenders for Trump appeared in court today.
• Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide the reimbursement to Cohen for the payment he made to Daniels. Trump has denied the charges.

'Stupid porn trials': Republican senator says she won't be joining Trump in court

Sahil Kapur

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said today she will not go to Manhattan for Trump's hush money trial, like several other Republican lawmakers have done over the past week.

“Don’t we have something to do around here other than watch stupid porn trials?” said Murkowski, a notable Trump critic.

Judge admonished Trump lawyer after first cross-examination question

Ginger Gibson Senior Washington Editor

Reporting from Washington, D.C.

Moments after Todd Blanche's first question to Cohen, the prosecution objected and Judge Juan Merchan called the lawyers to his bench.

“Mr. Cohen, my name is Todd Blanche,” Blanche had said to Cohen and then added, “You went on TikTok and called me a ‘crying little s---.’”

Merchan started the meeting, known as a sidebar that is recorded by the court reporter and included in the transcript but not audible to the rest of the courtroom, by asking Blanche, “Why are you making this about yourself?”

Blanche tried to argue he was attempting to show Cohen was biased.

“It doesn’t matter if he has bias towards you; it doesn’t matter," Merchan said. "The issue is whether he has bias towards the defendant."

He added, "Just don’t make it about yourself."

Trump: 'I think it was a very, very good day'

Rebecca Shabad is in Washington, D.C.

Speaking to cameras outside the courtroom after the trial wrapped for the day, Trump expressed deep frustration again about the judge's gag order, saying, "I think it's totally unconstitutional."

A state appeals court earlier in the day declined to take up his continued effort to fight the gag order, saying it had been properly administered. Trump has been found in violation 10 times.

"This should never happen to another candidate or another person," Trump said. "Today I think we had a very good day in court. ... I think it was a very, very good day."

Trump said the trial is going well and it's not affecting the presidential election because he said he's still leading in the polls.

"Can you believe I've been here for five weeks instead of campaigning?" Trump said. "They want to keep me in here as long as possible."

He reiterated that this is "all election interference by Biden" and he also attacked special counsel Jack Smith, calling him "deranged."

Confusion abounds

Reporting from Manhattan Criminal Court

"I’m sorry, I am confused by your questions,” Cohen just said to Blanche, following questions about having to turn over his phones to the government in January 2023.

Cohen is not the only one.

Because Blanche keeps jumping from topic to topic, the time periods at issue keep changing too, and Cohen, like many reporters and members of the public, is having trouble identifying which years Blanche is referring to and when.

Blanche brings up former Manhattan assistant DA

Daniel Arkin

Blanche asked Cohen to confirm whether he recalled someone in the Manhattan district attorney's office named Mark Pomerantz. Cohen said yes. But before Blanche could proceed with a line of questioning about Pomerantz, Hoffinger objected and approached Merchan for a bench conference. Blanche then seemed to drop the subject of Pomerantz.

Pomerantz is a former Manhattan assistant DA who resigned in 2022. He once led the DA office's investigation of Trump's finances.

Sprawling cross-examination aims to paint Cohen as untrustworthy

Laura Jarrett

Kyla Guilfoil

Today's highly anticipated cross-examination has been challenging to follow, even for close observers of the case.

Questioning of Cohen has jumped around between lies, casting Cohen as jilted, as motivated to provide dirt to Trump to get out of prison early, and his podcast attacks. It's all an effort to say he can't be trusted, but it's a sprawling effort.

Trump defense attorney makes Cohen listen to his own podcast

Adam Edelman

Gary Grumbach

Trump attorney Todd Blanche directed Cohen to put on headphones and listen to portions of his “Mea Culpa” podcast.

“I believe you have headphones right to your right ... and I would like to play a portion of the 'Mea Culpa' podcast from Oct. 23,” Blanche said.

Cohen had difficulty adjusting the headphones, but eventually got them on, adjusted the volume and began listening. The jury and others in the courtroom were not able to hear the clip.

“Did you hear that?” Blanche asked. “I heard that, yes,” Cohen replied.

The unusual exchange prompted a bench meeting called by the prosecution.

Cohen indicates he likely said he was screwed over by the system

Blanche asked Cohen if he said he was screwed over by the system. Cohen said he doesn't know if that was the language he used, but added that it sounds correct.

The question seemed to be invoking the kind of arguments Trump has made — that he's being targeted by the system.

Court is back in session after short break

The jurors are filing in.

Cross-examination meanders into dead ends

At times, the questions from Trump's lawyer Blanche have appeared to wind up, but with little delivery.

For example, Blanche just asked Cohen if Anthony Scaramucci visited him in prison. Scaramucci was a very short-lived White House aide. This was the first time he was mentioned during the trial.

But Blanche didn't take it anywhere.

If the defense was preparing to call a roster of witnesses, one might speculate that he was setting up a question for later in the trial. But Blanche has already said it's possible the defense doesn't call any witnesses at all — and Cohen is the last prosecution witness. So why leave that one reference hanging there? We may never know.

Blanche tries to get Cohen to concede he lied during Mueller probe

Blanche aggressively pushed Cohen to admit under oath that he lied during conversations with investigators involved in Robert Mueller's probe of Trump's links to Russia.

Blanche pressed Cohen to say that he "lied to them" about the Trump Organization's proposal to build a Trump-branded skyscraper in Moscow. Cohen replied: "Yes, the information I gave was not accurate."

Trump's lawyer kept pressing: "Was it a lie?"

"I don't know if I would characterize it as a lie," Cohen replied. "It was inaccurate."

Blanche did not relent: "Was it a lie?"

Cohen: "It wasn’t a lie. It wasn’t truthful. If you want to call it a lie, we can call it a lie. I believe the information I gave them is inaccurate."

Blanche: "But you are not testifying it’s a lie?"

Cohen: "Sure, I’ll say it’s a lie."

Cohen says he was told to no longer talk to Trump — but he was allowed to talk to Trump's kids

Following Cohen’s testimony in the Russia investigation, there was a “separation” from Trump, Cohen explained, under questioning from Blanche, but Cohen disputed that he could no longer communicate with Trump’s children.

“You told Hope Hicks you missed him,” Blanche said, prompting Cohen to say, “Yes, I did.”

“There was an ongoing investigation going on and there was a separation?” asked Blanche. Cohen replied, “Yes, there was a separation.”

“You were told to stay away and not communicate with him and his family?” Blanche said.

“I was told not to speak to President Trump but not his family,” Cohen clarified. “Not that I couldn’t see his kids, I just didn’t.”

Cohen testified he lied — but don't call him a liar

Cohen has testified for hours at this point — repeatedly admitting to have lied in a variety of forms and forums.

But on cross-examination, he is resistant to being called a liar.

“If you want to call it a lie, you can,” Cohen says, after first saying the information he gave to the special counsel’s office about the Trump Moscow project was “inaccurate.”

“Sure. I’ll say it was a lie,” Cohen concedes.

The Cohen who distinguished between lies and inaccuracies is reminiscent of a Michael Cohen we have seen many times before — and who has generally been absent from this trial.

Trump lawyer's cross-examination seems to be all over the place

Jillian Frankel

Trump attorney Todd Blanche asked Cohen if he has said that his life was turned upside down since the release of the Steele dossier and that he'd never been to Prague.

Cohen said he's never been to Prague.

Blanche said to Cohen that he's never aided the Russians in hacking anything. Cohen said he never did.

Cohen continues to keep his cool

Blanche keeps trying to impeach Cohen with other people’s records of Cohen’s purported statements, as with notes taken by the DA’s office or media articles relying on anonymous, quoted sources.

Cohen has distanced himself successfully from most of these statements — and yet, Blanche is doing it again, focusing on notes from one of Cohen’s meetings with the special counsel’s office.

Blanche hasn't left a mark so far

We are now an hour into Cohen’s cross, and Blanche has meandered from Cohen’s stubborn media appearances to his wealth to his “obsession” with Trump but without much depth — or dents.

Cohen says he was 'knee-deep into the cult of Donald Trump' in 2015

Under questioning from Blanche, Cohen admitted that he had previously “admired” Trump “tremendously.”

“You were actually obsessed with President Trump, weren’t you?” Blanche asked.

“I don’t know if I would characterize the word obsessed. I admired him tremendously,” Cohen replied.

Asked by Blanche whether he meant his 2015 comments that Trump was a good person who wanted “to make this country great again,” Cohen replied, “Yes.”

“At the time you weren’t lying,” Blanche asked.

“At the time, I was knee-deep into the cult of Donald Trump, yes,” Cohen replied.

Cohen says 'Art of the Deal' was an 'excellent' book

Blanche is hammering on the fact that Cohen used to admire Trump, his employer for many years.

Blanche went further, bringing up one of the former president's most famous books: "You read 'Art of the Deal' twice and called it a masterpiece?"

Cohen's reply: "It was an excellent book."

Trump lawyer tries to establish Cohen is and was wealthy before entering Trump's orbit

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche is trying to establish that Cohen is and was wealthy well before he entered Trump’s orbit.

Cohen purchased his apartment in Trump World Tower, where his parents and in-laws also live, for $5 million and purchased it around 2000. Cohen said he still lives in the building and rents his apartment out for $15,000 a month.

Cohen also confirmed that in addition to his work as a lawyer, he made millions in taxi medallions.

Blanche admits his first exhibit to the jury

After showing a series of exhibits only to Cohen, Judge Merchan and the legal parties, Blanche has admitted his first exhibit to the jury.

The exhibit is a picture of a T-shirt which Cohen sells that depicts Trump behind bars. 

Blanche pins Cohen on whether he wants to see Trump convicted

Blanche is trying to pin Cohen to say whether he wants to see Trump convicted.

“Have you regularly commented on your podcasts that you want President Trump convicted in this case?” Blanche asked.

“Yes, probably,” Cohen replied.

“I would like to see accountability,” Cohen added after being asked whether he had “any doubt.” “It’s not for me, it’s for the jury and this case,” Cohen said.

Blanche then retorted, “I’m just asking you to say yes or no. Do you want to see President Trump convicted in this case?”

“Sure,” Cohen said.

Trump lawyer presses Cohen about his media engagements

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche asked Cohen on how many occasions over the last year had he been told not to speak to the media.

Cohen said he can't recall. Asked if it's true that he hasn't followed those requests, Cohen said that's correct and he's responding to criticism of him.

Blanche then asked if he's responded during the course of this case on TV several dozen times. Cohen said he doesn't know about several dozen, but stated that he has gone on TV.

Blanche asked if Cohen has done hundreds of episodes of his podcast. Cohen said yes, four podcasts a week all year. Asked if it's fair to say he's done hundreds of episodes since Trump was charged in the case, Cohen said he doesn't know about hundreds.

Blanche then did the math: If there are 16 a month for 10 months, that's 160. Cohen said then it would be 160. But then Blanche and Cohen agreed that it's probably more than 200 because the investigation didn't start just a year ago.

In response to Blanche, Cohen said he's spoken about Trump in every episode: "I would say he's mentioned in every one, yes."

Cohen stays calm while Blanche starts to raise his voice

Cohen is staying calm while Blanche questions him on whether he was the one who leaked to CNN that the district attorney's office already had the information from Cohen's phones in 2021.

Blanche is seemingly starting to get frustrated, raising his voice slightly as he expresses incredulity that Cohen has a clear recollection of calls with Trump in 2016 but has no memory of making a promise to the district attorney's office in March 2023.

Nonetheless, Cohen is continuing to hold his ground, even as Blanche presses him to remember conversations in which the district attorney’s office told him he was “unwittingly helping” Trump by going on TV. Cohen said he does not recall those conversations.

Blanche presses Cohen on DA's attempts to have him stop talking about case

Vaughn Hillyard

Blanche is pressing Cohen on how the district attorney has tried to get Cohen to stop talking to the media.

“Over the past several years, back to 2021, the government has repeatedly asked you to stop talking publicly about this case?” Blanche said.

“They might have, yes,” Cohen replied.

During the exchange the eyes of the jurors are intently going from Blanche and then to Cohen and then back to Blanche.

“Prosecutors from the Manhattan DA have repeatedly asked you to stop talking,” Blanche said.

“Yes,” Cohen replied.

Blanche is showing Cohen a lot of exhibits, but the jury can't see them

As Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, continues with his cross-examination of Cohen, he is utilizing several exhibits to prompt Cohen's testimony.

While Blanche seems set on incorporating several exhibits into his technique, he is also keeping them out of the jury's sight. The exhibits are purely for use in Cohen's testimony, as well as for the judge and the legal parties. If they're entered as evidence, only then can the jury see them.

Blanche is still looking for a rhythm

The pace of this cross — and how dependent it is on Blanche’s trying to refresh Cohen's recollection with notes of prior meetings — is unusual. There is no rhythm yet.

Blanche continues to press Cohen on Trump insults

Blanche grilled Cohen on some of the incendiary language the ex-fixer has used to describe his former boss.

Trump's lawyer asked Cohen to confirm whether he once called the former president a "dictator douchebag."

Cohen replied: "Sounds like something I said."

Blanche went further, asking Cohen if he recalled saying Trump should go back to "where he belongs, in a f---ing cage, like a f---ing animal."

Cohen replied: "I recall saying that."

Trump lawyer questions Cohen about his recent comments

The prosecution began their questioning of Cohen by going back to the early 2000s. The defense began by going back weeks.

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche asked Cohen about recent statements he's made about the trial, including on TikTok.

“Do you recall saying on TikTok, on April 23, that from everything that you heard from people today, David Pecker is corroborating everything you’ve been saying for six years?" Blanche asked.

“Yes, somebody called me, told me, that Mr. Pecker had corroborated what I’ve been saying for a long time,” Cohen said.

Blanche starts by focusing on name-calling

Blanche began his cross-examination of Cohen with an unusual, expletive-laden introduction.

“Mr. Cohen, my name is Todd Blanche,” Blanche said. But, he added, “you went on TikTok and called me a ‘crying little s---.’”

“Sounds like something I would say,” Cohen said.

The prosecution immediately objected, which the judge agreed with and asked that the question be stricken.

Two jurors looked at each other and grinned.

The cross-examination of Michael Cohen is underway

Todd Blanche has started asking questions.

Blanche has been waiting for this moment

Trump attorney Todd Blanche has been preparing to cross-examine Michael Cohen for months, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation.

Blanche's cross-examination of Trump's former fixer is beginning now.

Court back in session

The court is back in session after a lunch break. The defense team is expected to begin the cross-examination of Cohen.

Defense may call no witnesses

During a morning sidebar, Trump attorney Blanche said that he could not commit to calling any witnesses. He said the defense has one expert witness who couldn’t be available until Monday — but that his testimony is contingent on a decision about how the instructions to the jury will be written.

He said he didn’t know whether Trump would testify and that the defense has decided not to call Alan Garten.

Michael Cohen will be final prosecution witness

During a morning sidebar, prosecutor Steinglass said Cohen will be the final witness called by the prosecution.

He said the prosecution had indicated that they would call a witness after Cohen, a publisher, but decided against it.

In conversation with Trump's attorney Blanche, they said they anticipate the prosecution could rest by the end of Thursday.

Cohen on working for Trump: 'I violated my moral compass'

Susan Hoffinger's last question to Cohen for the prosecution was if he has regrets about his past work and association with Trump.

“I regret doing things for him that I should not have," Cohen said. "Lying, bullying people to effectuate the goal. I don’t regret working for the Trump Organization; as I expressed before, some very interesting and great times. But to keep a loyalty and to do the things he asked me to do, I violated my moral compass and I suffered the penalty, as has my family.”

The court then recessed for lunch.

Cohen says he wrote a book in prison to 'pass the time'

Cohen testified that his job now is in the world of “media and entertainment” and that he has a podcast, "Mea Culpa," where he discusses “news of the day” and Trump.

He admits making money from "Mea Culpa" and another podcast published through the media arm of the liberal political action committee MeidasTouch. Cohen has also written two books — one of which, "Disloyal," he penned in prison "to pass the time."

"Time management is very important when you are in prison," Cohen said. "It helps the time go by quicker."

Cohen outlines financial, professional consequences of guilty plea

Cohen testified that he no longer holds a law license because of his felony conviction and has had to sell taxi medallions in New York and Chicago, where felons are not authorized to hold the medallions.

He has also had to sell all other real property beyond his apartment and a “secondary apartment.”

Cohen glances at jury while detailing his supervised release

Cohen testified that even now, five years after he surrendered to prison, he continues to be on supervised release.

“Even today I’m still on supervised release,” Cohen said, keeping his head maintained in the direction of Hoffinger but giving a quick glance with his eyes over to the jury box after making the statement.

Cohen confirms that he asked for a reduction in his sentence

Cohen testified that he applied for a reduction in his sentence and asked the Manhattan district attorney's office for help on that front.

In 2021, Hoffinger said, "was your understanding that our office said we might provide you with such a letter if prosecutors would consider reducing your sentence?"

"Yes, ma'am," Cohen replied.

Cohen says he returned to prison after he refused to sign an agreement to not write a tell-all book

Summer Concepcion

Cohen said he went to the federal courthouse at 500 Pearl St. thinking he just had to fill out some paperwork and would be out of there in an hour.

But several hours later, his attorney came out holding his belt and jacket. Cohen was taken back into custody at the Federal Correctional Facility in Otisville because he would not sign an agreement that says he could not write a tell-all book.

Cohen recounts going to prison

Cohen testified about going to prison, detailing how he served 13 months in a federal correctional facility in Otisville, New York.

Cohen said he pleaded guilty to separate charges in August and November of 2018 before surrendering to jail on May 6, 2019. He testified that he was sentenced to 36 months in jail, followed by 36 months of supervised release based upon over $1.3 million in taxes he had not paid from 2012 to 2016.

Cohen testified that he was allowed to leave after 13 months in prison and serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement.

'Angst and anxiety': Cohen describes reaction to Trump tweets after guilty plea

The day after Cohen pleaded guilty to federal crimes, Trump took to Twitter. Cohen interpreted two tweets as addressed to him, illustrations that “I am no longer important to the fold,” he testified.

“If anyone is looking for a good lawyer," Trump wrote in one post, "I would strongly suggest that you don’t retain the services of Michael Cohen!”

In another tweet, Trump wrote: “I feel very badly for Paul Manafort and his wonderful family. 'Justice' took a 12 year old tax case, among other things, applied tremendous pressure on him and, unlike Michael Cohen, he refused to 'break' — make up stories in order to get a 'deal.' Such respect for a brave man!”

Manafort, a former Trump campaign aide, was convicted on charges related to tax evasion and sentenced to prison, until Trump pardoned him in the final days of his administration.

Hoffinger asked Cohen what it was like to see these tweets from the president of the United States the day after pleading guilty. Cohen's response: "It caused a lot of angst and anxiety."

Cohen recounts pleading guilty to charges: 'Worst day of my life'

Cohen testified about how he had pleaded guilty to five counts of tax evasion and one count of making a false statement to a financial institution.

Asked if they were related to Trump, Cohen said they weren't.

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked what that day was like for him, pleading guilty to all of those crimes.

"Worst day of my life," Cohen said.

Trump allies come to his defense after attending today's court proceedings

Lindsey Pipia

In remarks outside of the courthouse, several Trump allies who attended today’s court proceedings expressed their support of the former president and echoed Trump's criticism of the trial and people connected to it — which he has been barred from expressing himself because of a gag order.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., denied that Trump committed any wrongdoing and echoed his attacks on Judge Merchan and his daughter, who has worked for a digital advertising and fundraising firm that often works with Democratic politicians.

“This is a travesty of justice. This is a misuse of the justice system,” Donalds said.

Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., slammed the hush money case as a “sham indictment” against Trump, claiming that the trial is part of efforts by Democrats to keep him off of the campaign trail and arguing that Cohen’s testimony has “no credibility, no integrity.”

Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential primary candidate who endorsed Trump after dropping out of the race, similarly blasted the trial as “politicized persecution” and accused Democrats of unlawfully seeking to influence the election by impeding on Trump’s ability to campaign in the months leading up to the November election.

“It is one of the most depressing places I have been in my life, but it is fitting because the only thing more depressing than the environment of that courtroom is what’s actually happening in there,” Ramaswamy said. “It’s straight out of a Kafka novel.”

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who also challenged Trump in the Republican presidential primary but later endorsed him, ripped the trial as a “circus.”

“Everything that these gentlemen said here today about the trial is absolutely true,” Burgum said. “But it is sad that we’re here today and not out talking to American people about the issues that matter to them the most.”

They did not take questions after the conclusion of their statements. But when asked by NBC News if they'd support Trump if he was found guilty, Ramaswamy said, "Yes."

Cohen says under oath that Trump directed him to pay off Daniels

Hoffinger asked Cohen to state why he paid $130,000 to Stormy Daniels. Cohen's reply: "To ensure that the story would not come out, would not affect Mr. Trump's chances of becoming president of the United States."

The prosecutor then asked the ex-fixer to state at whose direction he paid Daniels. "Trump's," he replied.

These questions are at the heart of the state's case against Trump.

Cohen says conversations about family, loyalty prompted him to turn on Trump

Cohen is describing how after the raid he didn’t know what the Southern District “was looking at.”

Asked to describe conversations with his family from that period, Cohen said that they were about “what to do.”

“We’re in this unique situation. Never experienced. And my family, my wife, my daughter, my son, all said to me, 'Why are you holding on to this loyalty? What are you doing? We’re supposed to be your first loyalty,'” Cohen recalled.

Asked what he decided to do after those conversations, Cohen said, “That it was about time to listen to them.”

That's why he decided to plead guilty to a “number of federal crimes,” he said.

Cohen said he “made a decision based on conversation with my family, I would not lie for President Trump any longer.”

Prosecution tries to get ahead of the defense. But is it confusing the jury?

For many reporters in the audience, characters like Bob Costello are familiar, and how he figures into the story makes sense. But is the jury following this detour right now?

Costello's testimony has nothing to do with falsification of business records. Instead, the prosecution's examination right now is meant to pre-empt certain defense lines of questioning that we've heard before about Cohen's mindset at the time and his credibility.

But that means that the first time the jury is hearing about all this will be from the prosecution instead of the defense. So, Cohen gets to tell the story on his own terms, but to what end? Will the jury get confused and lose the story in the process?

Prosecution shows emails between criminal defense lawyer Robert Costello and Cohen

In an email dated April 19, 2018, criminal defense lawyer Robert Costello told Cohen that Giuliani had just been named to Trump’s legal team and that the relationship could be very useful to Cohen.

Two days later, Costello emailed again and conveyed that Giuliani thanked him “for opening this back channel of communication and asked me to keep in touch.”

Cohen understood the back channel would be Costello to Giuliani, Giuliani to Trump.

Cohen said he didn't trust Robert Costello, who was close with Giuliani

Cohen said he was pressured to hire Robert Costello to represent him after the raid.

Asked if Costello told him about his ties to Rudy Giuliani, Cohen said, “As close as you can imagine … and that would be a relationship that would be very beneficial to you going forward with this matter.”

“Mr. Giuliani at the time had a very close relationship and was spending a tremendous amount of time with Mr. Trump,” Cohen testified. 

Cohen said Costello told him it would be a great way to have a back channel to the president. Cohen, however, expressed that he didn’t trust Costello and wasn’t sure he was going to hire him. “There was something really sketchy and wrong about him,” he said, adding that Costello came with a retainer agreement.

Cohen said he didn’t tell Costello the truth about Stormy Daniels and Trump. Cohen said he was concerned when Costello mentioned his close relationship with Giuliani and that anything he told him would be relayed to Giuliani. 

Cohen said he was worried “anything that I said would get back to him.”

A note on Trump calling his supporters 'surrogates' and the gag order against him

In a post on X , Joyce Alene Vance, who served as the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, noted that the gag order against Trump prohibits him from “making comments about jurors/witnesses and also from causing others to make them.”

Her post was in response to Trump’s remarks this morning outside of the courtroom, in which he referred to Republican lawmakers who accompanied him to court today as his “surrogates.”

“I do have a lot of surrogates and they are speaking very beautifully. They come from all over ... and they think this is the biggest scam they’ve ever seen,” Trump said.

Eric and Lara Trump now in courtroom

Eric and Lara Trump are now in the front row of the courtroom, seated next to Alina Habba.

Lara Trump is now the head of the RNC.

Johnson defends Trump while attending the criminal hush money trial

House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke outside the courthouse.

Court is back in session

Trump and the lawyers on both sides of the case are back in their seats.

Court breaks for short recess

We'll be back in about 15 minutes.

After raid, Trump told Cohen: 'Don't worry, I'm the president.'

Cohen testified that after the raid, he called Trump and “left him message for him to call me to let him know what was taking place.”

“He said to me, ''Don’t worry. I’m the president of the United States. There’s nothing here. Everything’s going to be OK. Stay tough. You’re going to be OK,'” Cohen testified.

Asked whether he’d spoken directly with Trump since that time, Cohen said, “No.”

Asked whether he felt that call was “important,” Cohen replied: “Very. I wanted some reassurance that Mr. Trump had my back. Especially as this dealt with issues that related to him.”

“I felt reassured because I had the president of the United States protecting me. It’s his Justice Department, should go nowhere,” Cohen said, adding that he would stay loyal to Trump.

Cohen says he was 'despondent' after FBI raid

Cohen is telling the jury about April 2018 raids on his New York City apartment, law office and a hotel where he was staying.

He was booked at the Loews Regency hotel in Manhattan at the time because his apartment had been flooded and construction was being done. He heard a knock on the door at 7 a.m. one day, looked through the peephole and "saw lots of people."

FBI agents asked Cohen to step into the hallway. The agents had a search warrant that gave them the right to seize Cohen's two cellphones, electronic devices, records, tax books and other documents that the fixer had at the hotel, his law office and his apartment.

Hoffinger asked Cohen to describe how he felt at the time of the raids. "How to describe your life being turned upside down," he replied. "Concerned. Despondent. Angry."

Cohen was then asked whether he was frightened. "Yes, ma'am," he said.

Cohen says it was at Trump's direction to get a temporary restraining order against Stormy Daniels

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked Cohen if he learned Stormy Daniels was going to go public about her sexual encounter as a result of him saying it was his money, and if that's why he got a temporary restraining order against her.

Cohen said that was correct and confirmed it was at Trump's direction to work with Larry Rosen, as well as with Eric Trump, to get a restraining order.

Cohen said he obtained the temporary restraining order and filed it in California and tried to serve it to Keith Davidson, Daniels' lawyer, because he didn't have her address. However, Cohen said, Davidson was no longer representing Daniels and provided the name of a second lawyer, who also said he was not representing her.

Ultimately, Cohen learned Michael Avenatti would be representing Daniels — who sued them to prevent enforcement of the NDA.

Cohen speaks directly to jury in rare moment

Cohen is now speaking directly to the jury while answering about the FBI raid — something he has rarely done during his testimony under Susan Hoffinger's examination.

Cohen reinforces David Pecker's testimony about him and Trump telling Pecker not to worry

Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker's testimony earlier in the trial revealed that Cohen had told Pecker that he should not worry about The Wall Street Journal asking about AMI's payoff to Karen McDougal. But now, Cohen is revalidating that testimony himself.

Pecker had said Cohen told him then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions was in Trump's pocket. Now, Cohen is putting a new gloss on that conversation, telling the prosecution that he spoke to Trump before talking to Pecker and implying that Trump had him convey that Pecker should not worry.

Cohen testified that he had told Pecker that after conversations with Trump, he would assist Pecker with the matter and they "had this thing under control."

Mike Johnson and allies show up for Trump

Matthew Nighswander

From left, Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, House Speaker Mike Johnson, former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., listen as former President Donald Trump speaks to reporters today.

Trump's eyes are closed as Cohen continues testimony

Trump's eyes are closed and his head is tilted to the right as Cohen answers questions about how he scrambled to react to The Wall Street Journal's reporting on the Daniels story. Meanwhile, the former president's surrogates in the front row appear to be wide awake and following along with the testimony.

The jurors, for their part, seem interested. Several jurors have been taking intense notes during this exchange.

The risks of reading a limiting instruction

Merchan is instructing the jury that the FEC conducted an investigation, and that the letter and testimony about that investigation were admitted to give context and to help it assess Cohen’s credibility, but they may not be considered in determining Trump’s guilt or innocence.

Anytime a judge reads a limiting instruction, there’s a concern that it draws the jury’s attention to the evidence it just heard even more — thereby defeating its purpose. Telling the jury to use certain evidence for one purpose but not another is always challenging, but especially when the evidence in question is damning.

Cohen's buzzwords today: 'To protect Mr. Trump' and 'to stay on message'

At least five times during today's testimony, Cohen has responded to questions about his actions, and why he did them, with the same reply.

“In order to protect Mr. Trump."

At least twice, he has replied with, “To stay on message."

Cohen intended for statement about Daniels payment to be 'misleading'

Cohen also acknowledged that the 2016 statement about using his own personal funds to facilitate the payment to Stormy Daniels and not being reimbursed by two major Trump entities was “misleading.”

“Was that statement false or misleading?” prosecutors asked, referring to the statement that claimed that neither the Trump campaign nor the Trump Organization was a party to the transaction.

“Misleading,” Cohen said. 

“While crafting the statement, we elected to state neither the Trump Organization nor the Trump campaign was a party to the transaction. That’s a true statement,” he said. “But it’s misleading.”

“It was neither the Trump organization or the Trump campaign, it was Donald J. Trump himself.”

“Did you intend for it to be misleading?” Hoffinger asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said. “In order to protect Mr. Trump, to stay on message, to demonstrate continued loyalty.”

“Did he approve the substance of the statement?” Hoffinger asked.

“He did,” Cohen said.

Cohen says Stormy Daniels' statement is false 'because I helped him craft it'

Cohen said he continued to press Keith Davidson for another statement from Stormy Daniels denying her affair with Trump amid increased media attention around the story, despite knowing it was false.

Asked how he knew the statement was false, Cohen said “because I helped him craft it.”

Pressed on how he knows Daniels was paid hush money, Cohen similarly commented “because I’m the one who paid it.”

Prosecutor shows Cohen texts pressuring Stormy Daniels' lawyer to have her deny Trump affair

The DA's office entered into evidence texts between Stormy Daniels’ lawyer Keith Davidson and Michael Cohen in which Cohen told Davidson to call him.

Davidson indicated that Stormy Daniels was supposed to fly to Los Angeles the next day.

"Can you call me please?" Cohen said. "Please call me."

"Anything?"

"Still trying," Davidson wrote back.

Cohen then wrote, "This is no good."

"The wise men all believe the story is dying and don't think it's smart for her to do any interviews," Cohen said. "Let her do her thing but no interviews."

"100%," Davidson texted back.

Cohen on why he lied to Congress: 'In order to protect Mr. Trump'

Cohen also admitted to lying during his fall 2017 testimony before Congress about the Russia investigation.

Cohen had been subpoenaed for testimony before the House and Senate Intelligence committees’ investigations regarding a Trump Tower Moscow deal.

Asked whether he lied during his testimony, Cohen, who was still personal counsel to Trump at that time, replied affirmatively.

“I did,” he said. 

“They dealt with the Trump Tower Moscow real estate project. Specifically the number of times that I claimed to have spoke to Mr. Trump,” Cohen explained. “I said I only spoke to President Trump about the project three times when I had really spoken about it 10 times,” he continued.

Asked why he said then that his communications with Trump stopped earlier than they had, Cohen said, “Because I was staying on Trump’s message, and there was no Russia, Russia, Russia, and that was what was preferred.”

Asked whether he continued to lie about Trump’s involvement in the Stormy Daniels payoff and pressure Keith Davidson to lie about the payoffs to Karen McDougal, Cohen replied, “yes.”

Asked why, Cohen said, “In order to protect Mr. Trump.”

New York appeals court rejects Trump's gag order appeal

Dan Mangan, CNBC

A New York appeals court has rejected Trump's appeal of the gag orders that were imposed in this case, according to a legal filing.

He's already been found in violation of the order 10 times.

Trump has repeatedly insisted the order is unconstitutional.

Cohen says he made $4 million based on his title under Trump

The prosecution pushed Cohen on whether having the title “personal attorney to the president” helped Cohen attract other clients, to which Cohen said he had earned about $4 million from new clients.

Because of the title and his work with Trump, he obtained five consulting or advisory clients, but he did not do legal work.

Cohen earned about $4 million from those clients; he also had an agreement with Squire Patton Boggs, a major law firm, which wanted him on its letterhead because of his title and contacts.

Cohen further testified that he formed an “of counsel” agreement with them; he received $500,000 initially, and after that his pay depended on what he brought in. During this time, Cohen continued to lie for Trump, he said, “out of loyalty and to protect him.”

Speaker Johnson calls hush money trial 'politically motivated' and 'election interference'

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who is in attendance for today’s court proceedings, slammed the hush money trial as a “travesty of justice" and “politically motivated,” and said that Trump’s required attendance is an intentional effort by Democrats to keep him off the campaign trail.

Johnson, without evidence, echoed Trump’s accusations that Democrats are unjustly influencing the hush money case. He referred to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg as a “partisan Democrat,” Judge Juan Merchan as a “Biden donor judge” and accused Assistant District Attorney Susan Hoffinger of receiving thousands of dollars in payments from the Democratic National Committee.

Johnson also slammed Cohen, saying that he is a man who is clearly on "a mission for personal revenge” and that “no one should believe a word he says today.” He also criticized Merchan's “ridiculous and unprecedented” gag order on Trump.

“The judicial system in our country has been weaponized against President Trump,” Johnson said. “The system is using all the tools at its disposal right now to punish one president and provide cover for another.”

“These are politically motivated trials and they are a disgrace,” he added. It is election interference and they show how desperate the opposition that President Trump has and how desperate they truly are.”

Johnson did not respond to any shouted questions after making his statement.

As Trump's personal counsel, Cohen sought to 'lie for' and 'protect' him

Cohen said that during the 15 months he was personal counsel to Trump, his goal was to protect and lie for him.

“Did you continue to try to protect him?” prosecutor Hoffinger asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” Cohen replied

“Did you continue to lie for him?” Hoffinger asked.

"Why did you do that?” Hoffinger asked.

“Out of loyalty and in order to protect him,” Cohen said.

Cohen describes 'minimal work' he did for Trump in 2017

Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked Cohen whether he did any work as Trump's personal attorney in 2017. Cohen said he did "minimal work" on the Summer Zervos matter — a reference to a former contestant on "The Apprentice" who accused Trump of sexual assault, which he denied — on which Cohen was working with lawyer Mark Kasowitz.

Cohen said he hand-delivered documents to Trump in the Oval Office that Kasowitz asked him to bring. And then for Melania Trump, he reviewed an agreement that Madame Tussauds sent to her to create her likeness, but Cohen said it was “not enough work to have me send an invoice.”

Cohen, confirming fake invoices, appears subdued

Cohen is subdued and polite as he reads the invoices and confirms under oath that each one contains false statements. He continues to provide a simple answer: "Yes, ma'am."

Cohen's testimony is legally important for the prosecution

Cohen's testimony today is slow-going but legally important. The jury has already seen his invoices and checks but now the prosecution has him directly confirming each of the alleged false statements on the record.

It's anticipated that Trump's defense will argue that the statements weren't false because Cohen was acting as his lawyer at the time.

The jury is showing no emotion to this evidence and testimony.

Cohen admits he created false invoices

Cohen is now recounting how, when he was asked by Jeff McConney for invoices, he actually “didn’t have a copy of the document made with Weisselberg.”

“It would’ve been on a retainer agreement, but there was none,” Cohen told prosecutors.

As a result, Cohen explained, he “created a document and called it an invoice” requesting “payment for services rendered for the months of January and February” from Weisselberg.

He continued to send such documents as monthly invoices.

Asked by prosecutors about whether services had actually been rendered, Cohen replied, “No, ma’am.”

Asked whether “for services rendered” was a “truthful statement,” Cohen repeated, “No, ma’am.”

The true purpose, Cohen explained: “The reimbursement of hush money.”

Cohen said “yes” when asked whether the invoice was a “false record” and whether “each invoice made the same false representation.”

Cohen describes visiting Trump at White House in February 2017

Cohen said that he visited the White House on Feb. 8, 2017, and had a conversation with Trump in the Oval Office.

“I was sitting with President Trump and he asked me if I was OK. He asked me if I needed money. And I said, 'All good,'" he testified.

“He said I could get a check ... I said, 'No I’m OK,'" Cohen continued. “And he said, 'OK, make sure you deal with Allen,'" referring to then-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg.

Cohen said Trump told him there would be a check for January and February.

Trump allies taking advantage of cellphones while press is limited

Trump's nonlegal staff and allies are taking advantage of the fact that they are allowed to use cellphones in the courthouse and courtroom — even where members of the press are not allowed to use theirs.

During this morning's hallway press conference, a member of Trump's team raised a smartphone with a lavender case, turned it sideways and appeared to take video of the assembled crowd.

This is the latest example of how Trump team members are deploying cellphones to their advantage inside the courthouse.

Michael Cohen has taken the stand

Trump's former "fixer" walked by the former president's surrogates and made his way to the witness stand.

Trump was chatting with his lawyer Todd Blanche as Cohen entered and appeared to avoid making eye contact.

Trump again denies wrongdoing and says trial is an 'election interference' effort

Moments before entering the courtroom, Trump continued to deny wrongdoing in the hush money case and accused New York-based prosecutors of corruption without evidence.

After criticizing President Joe Biden’s expected announcement of increasing tariffs on numerous Chinese goods, including electric vehicles, Trump, holding papers, read aloud quotes from several conservative legal analysts who argue that the hush money trial is an effort to hurt his presidential campaign.

He slammed Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the hush money case against him, for what he described as “making a mockery” of the legal system. He called Judge Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing the civil fraud trial against him, a “crooked judge.” He also argued that Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the hush money trial, shouldn’t be allowed in the case and called on him to “rule in favor of a directed verdict immediately.”

“There is an insufficient amount of evidence,” he said. “No crime has been shown. No crime has been committed.”

"There's never been anything like this in the history of our country," he added. "It's a scam. It's election interference at a level that's never taken place before." 

Prosecutors and Todd Blanche are having a bench meeting to start the day

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche is the only representative of the defense at the bench meeting. All prosecutors are at the bench.

Trump says 'signing a NDA is not a crime'

On his way into the courtroom, Trump said in hallway that “signing a NDA is not a crime."

It’s not an outright acknowledgment that he knowingly was party to a nondisclosure agreement. But it’s an unusual thing to state as someone who has previously publicly claimed that he wasn’t aware that he was party to the Stormy Daniels NDA.

Trump has entered the courtroom

The former president, wearing a blue suit and a yellow tie, sat down at the defense table alongside Todd Blanche, one of his attorneys.

Michael Cohen returns to witness stand for second day of testimony in Trump hush money trial

Dareh Gregorian

Trump’s longtime lawyer Michael Cohen is due back on the witness stand today for testimony that’s expected to delve into payments he said he received from the former president in return for hush money paid to adult film actor Stormy Daniels in the closing days of the 2016 campaign.

Prosecutors allege that Trump falsified business records relating to those payments by classifying them as legal services pursuant to a retainer agreement. Cohen testified yesterday in New York City that no such retainer agreement existed.

Cohen is a pivotal witness in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case against Trump. He told the jury during his first full day on the stand that Trump directly authorized him to pay Daniels the $130,000 and that Trump was involved in efforts to quash two other salacious stories that he feared could have damaged his candidacy.

“I was following his directions,” Cohen testified.

Read the full story here.

‘The benefit of Mr. Trump’: Longtime fixer Michael Cohen testifies in hush money trial. What you missed on Day 16.

Katherine Doyle

Trump’s longtime fixer and lawyer, Michael Cohen,  testified yesterday  that he was acting at Trump’s behest when he made hush money payments to  Stormy Daniels  before the 2016 presidential election.

For weeks in Manhattan criminal court, Trump’s defense attorneys have sought to puncture Cohen’s credibility with the jury, and even witnesses have painted him as hot-headed, self-interested and untrustworthy.

“I didn’t know Michael to be an especially charitable person or selfless person,” Hope Hicks, Trump’s former communications aide, said when she was on the stand. Cohen’s former banker said he was assigned to him because of his “ability to handle individuals who are challenging.”

But on the stand for the first time, Cohen presented himself as coolheaded and recalled how he had worked at Trump’s behest to suppress stories that posed a threat.

Could we see any surprises? Today may be the day

The thing about anything involving Trump is there are few surprises — at least for the people who diligently follow his every move and the journalists who chronicle them.

The allegations at the heart of the trial are well known: Michael Cohen already pleaded guilty to paying the hush money and provided ample details when he entered the plea.

For many of the jurors in the courtroom, many of these details may be new. Most said they didn't follow this story closely.

And throughout the trial, there have been small things that were unknown to even those who closely follow Trump — like that Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal's phone numbers were saved in his phone.

But the cross-examination of Cohen offers the most probable chance that the courtroom and the public at large could learn something genuinely unknown before.

Trump's lawyers are going to do everything they can to try to discredit Cohen; expect them to throw the kitchen sink at him. His longtime relationship with Trump may mean that the former president knows more dirt on Cohen than was previously public — the kind of ammunition that his lawyers could use on cross-examination.

There is a risk that anything Trump shared with his lawyers could also implicate him, but it's the ground that is more likely to produce surprises in the courtroom.

Audio secretly recorded by Michael Cohen reveals Trump in 2016 discussing a payment to Karen McDougal before he was elected president.

Michael Cohen to testify about his interactions with Trump after he became president

As Trump counterprograms the trial today with help from Mike Johnson and friends, the direct examination is about to delve into the post-inauguration period in 2017, which is the most important time period for the charged crimes.

Cohen gave lots of testimony yesterday about Trump’s alleged intentional and knowing participation in the payments to Playboy model Karen McDougal and adult film actor Stormy Daniels with the primary goal of promoting his electoral chances. And his involvement in those payments themselves suggest a motive to cover them up with false business records.

But as for direct evidence that he falsified business records or caused others to do so? The closest Cohen has come to that was in describing a January 2017 Trump Tower meeting he had with Trump and Weisselberg in which Trump expressly agreed to pay Cohen $420k in 12 installments, beginning in February 2017, for “legal services rendered.”

We can expect to hear more today about how Trump allegedly completed or orchestrated false paperwork about the repayment scheme, including through a Feb. 8, 2017, Oval Office meeting between Cohen and Trump. But beyond that, there might not be much else in terms of direct evidence.

In other words, the proof of Trump’s knowledge and intent with respect to the business records could — in contrast to the mounds of direct evidence of Trump’s participation in the alleged conspiracy — be largely circumstantial. That evidence includes former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg’s direction to others, given his closeness to Trump and how often he communicated with Trump to control “every penny” that went in and out of Trump’s coffers; former Trump Organization controller Jeff McConney’s notes following his meeting with Trump; the fact that the checks were not sent to the White House directly but were sent to Trump's bodyguard Keith Schiller and White House aide John McEntee before they gave them to another White House aide, Madeleine Westerhout, for Trump’s signature; and Westerhout’s testimony that Trump reviewed checks before signing them.

Vivek Ramaswamy says he'll offer commentary

Isabelle Schmeler

Former Trump GOP primary rival Vivek Ramaswamy said he's on the way to the courthouse in a post on X. He added that he'll be writing more about the trial today.

"Great to see President Trump in good spirits this morning," he wrote. "Headed to NYC courtroom now. Let’s see what’s going on down there, will share my thoughts over the day."

Ramaswamy and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum followed Trump when he left for the courthouse.

Potential vice presidential contenders for Trump to appear in court today

Several prominent Republicans have appeared with Trump in the courtroom to show their support. In addition to House Speaker Mike Johnson, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who both ran against Trump in the GOP primary , will join the former president in court today, Trump senior adviser Jason Miller said.

Sens. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Tim Scott, R-S.C., appeared in the courtroom with Trump yesterday. Ramaswamy, Burgum, Vance and Scott are considered potential vice presidential contenders for Trump.

Another potential running mate, Rep. Byron Donalds, and Rep. Cory Mills, both Republicans from Florida, also will be in court today, Miller said.

Trump has departed for the courthouse

Matt Johnson

The former president has left Trump Tower for the courthouse downtown, where his lawyers could begin cross-examination of his one-time fixer, Michael Cohen.

House Speaker Mike Johnson to appear in court in a show of support for Trump

Ryan Nobles

House Speaker Mike Johnson will appear this morning with Trump in the Manhattan courthouse where his hush money trial is taking place, a source familiar with the Louisiana Republican’s schedule confirms to NBC News. A number of prominent GOP elected officials have traveled to New York to show solidarity with the former president during the trial. 

Johnson recently survived a threat to his speakership from Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. Trump provided Johnson cover during the effort, which ultimately failed.

Punchbowl News was the first to report Johnson's court appearance. 

Vivek Ramaswamy expected to be in court

Katherine Koretski

Zoë Richards

Vivek Ramaswamy, Trump's one-time GOP primary competitor and now a contender to be his running mate, will join the former president in court today, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Ramaswamy and Trump coordinated today's plans directly, according to the source, who said Ramaswamy is expected to ride in the car with Trump and stay at court with the former president for the whole day.

Another VP contender, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, was in the courtroom yesterday.

With Trump under a gag order, allies step up attacks on his hush money trial

Jonathan Allen

Trump  risks  a trip to jail  if he attacks witnesses in his New York hush money trial. But his allies aren’t covered by the gag order he has  repeatedly violated , and they’re increasingly launching the broadsides that he can’t.

Yesterday, as former Trump “fixer”  Michael Cohen testified  that Trump was directly involved in a scheme to kill negative stories about him during the 2016 election, Sens. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., ripped into Cohen.

“He’s a convicted felon,”  Tuberville said of Cohen  at a news conference outside the courthouse in Manhattan. “I mean, this guy is giving an acting scene.”

Vance, who is in contention to be picked as Trump’s running mate, also wrote in a sarcasm-laden  tweetstorm on X .

What to expect at trial today

Cohen , the prosecution's star witness, is expected to continue his testimony after taking the stand for the first time yesterday.

Trump's attorneys could begin cross-examining him as early as today.

Here's what you missed at trial yesterday

Cohen took the stand for the first time in the trial to testify about a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election in exchange for her silence about her alleged affair with Trump.

Cohen said that he told Trump that he would “front the money” to Daniels, and Trump was "appreciative , " telling him that he would get the money back.

He also described how in his opinion it would have been "catastrophic" if Daniels' story got out before the election, especially since it would've been on the heels of the "Access Hollywood" tape.