TURNCOAT: Did Weisselberg just flip on Trump? Sure looks that way.
Former Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg has kicked his Trump-paid lawyers to the curb and hired a new team, causing speculation that the 75-year-old convict is cooperating with Manhattan District Attorney’s office in its current investigation into the former President.
Karen Agnifilo, a former chief assistant district attorney for the Manhattan DA’s office, says she’s “intrigued,” by the recent turn of events.
The state prosecutor believes that though it could mean Weisselberg’s cooperation in a previous trial against his boss and subsequent incarceration, rendered the attorneys moot – it’s more plausible that the longtime Trump Org. CFO turned Benedict.
As in Arnold.
“More likely, is there was this pressure campaign put on him saying while he’s in Rikers, ‘do you like being there? Because we’re about to bring other charges,’ Agnifilo said.
Serving five months in Riker’s Island after a plea deal in the Trump Organization’s fraud trial, Weisselberg could face more charges in the DA’s $130,000 hush money investigation, according to reports.
BREAKING: Allen Weisselberg is no longer being represented by Trump's attorneys, per NBC. This points to the possibility that Weisselberg has cut a deal with the Manhattan DA and is cooperating against Trump. Which would explain everything we're seeing in Manhattan right now.
— Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) March 30, 2023
There’s been no confirmation as to the reason that Weisselberg abruptly changed attorneys, but with Bragg’s investigation currently at a standstill – the rumor mill is churning.
Following the testimony of former Trump fixer Michael Cohen before the grand jury – and after the recipient of the six-figure payment, adult film star Stormy Daniels, spoke with the district attorney’s office – the DA’s case seemed like a done deal.
The thought of a potential indictment sent those anxious to see Trump finally being held accountable for his crimes into a giddy tizzy – but they’ll have to wait with the grand jury not expected to make a decision anytime soon.
According to Palmer Report, news that Weisselberg is no longer represented by lawyers paid for by the former President was leaked – raising more questions.
“There *has* to be a major development behind the scenes that caused this,” the account tweeted.
“The media doesn’t learn about these things unless someone leaks them. Someone involved with this case has, for some specific reason, *decided* to let the media know today that Trump is no longer paying Weisselberg’s legal bills.” – Palmer Report
Moreover, the media doesn't learn about these things unless someone leaks them. Someone involved with this case has, for some specific reason, *decided* to let the media know today that Trump is no longer paying Weisselberg's legal bills.
— Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) March 30, 2023
Weisselberg was the CFO of the Trump Organization for decades, and his role in the company was integral to the financial manipulations of the family business.
This puts the aging financial expert in a compromising position.
Though he began working for Trump’s father nearly 50 years ago – and refused to implicate his Donald Trump in previous testimony – it’s never too late for Weisselberg to pivot and save his own skin.
Rikers Island has that effect on people.
If the rumors are true, that the former chief financial officer is indeed cooperating with the Manhattan District Attorney, we love to see it.
Original reporting by Ewan Palmer at Newsweek, and H/T @PalmerReport
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