In a highly-anticipated turn of events, Michael Cohen, a key witness and former attorney and fixer for Donald Trump, is expected to take the stand on Monday in the criminal trial surrounding hush money payments. However, legal analysts and insiders suggest that Cohen's testimony could potentially create problems for the prosecution team of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Former U.S. attorney and CNN legal analyst Michael Moore highlighted the concern within the prosecution team, stating that they are aware of the challenges they face with Cohen as their witness. Speaking on CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Moore explained that Cohen is viewed as a "rogue witness," which has ignited fear among the prosecution. "They know they've got a problem," Moore added.

The trial revolves around allegations that Trump falsified business records regarding hush money paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. Daniels had claimed to have had an affair with Trump, an allegation vehemently denied by the former president. Trump became the first former U.S. president in history to stand trial in a criminal case last month.

Legal experts have expressed concerns regarding the prosecution's heavy reliance on Cohen's testimony. Moore pointed out that the state has cultivated its case around two potentially compromised witnesses, namely Daniels and Cohen. He highlighted the significance of Cohen as the sole witness who can provide evidence linking Trump's knowledge of the way expenses were being categorized.

Cohen, once a loyalist to Trump, has a tumultuous history that includes a conviction for tax evasion, bank fraud, campaign-finance violations, and lying to Congress. He served a three-year prison sentence and home arrest. His credibility as a witness is contested due to his past actions and public statements against Trump.

While some legal experts argue that Cohen's credibility may be questionable, others believe that his testimony could be damaging for Trump. Los Angeles-based litigator John J. Perlstein suggested that portraying Cohen as despicable might backfire if he proves to be credible regarding the charges against Trump.

However, concerns persist over Cohen's behavior in the lead-up to his testimony. Cohen's penchant for making troublesome comments on social media, including on platforms like TikTok, has raised eyebrows. In fact, Judge Juan Merchan, presiding over the case, has already instructed prosecutors to ask Cohen to refrain from further statements about the trial.

As Monday approaches, the trial's outcome remains uncertain. The defense will likely challenge Cohen's credibility, while the prosecution aims to use his testimony as a crucial link in their case against Trump. The trial holds significant implications for both the former president and the Manhattan District Attorney's office. Updates on the proceedings are expected over the coming days.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from the provided sources and does not claim to represent the full scope of the trial or the perspectives of all legal experts involved.