Michael Cohen takes the stand to testify against Trump in New York criminal case

Former lawyer Michael Cohen took the witness stand Monday morning in the New York criminal case against former President Trump.

Cohen's testimony is central to the case against Trump, as he is alleged to have been the go-between for Trump's alleged hush money payments to pornography actress Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors with Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's office argue Trump falsified his business records in relation to the payments.

Cohen appeared visibly nervous as he took the stand. Prosecutors began by asking him about his family history and other innocuous topics. He also recounted how he came to work for Trump, revealing that he ultimately had a salary of some $525k per year at the time of the 2016 election.

Prosecutors have been building toward Cohen's testimony for weeks, also calling Daniels to the stand last week.

Trump was joined by a large group of powerful supporters as he entered the courtroom on Monday. Among his retinue were Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-NY, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and Trump's son,  Eric Trump