Stormy Daniels attorney and Michael Cohen say Trump indictment no cause for joy: ‘Let truth and justice prevail’

Michael Cohen has been a key witness against Mr Trump after pleading guilty to violating federal campaign finance law in connection with the payments (Reuters)

Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen called for justice and accountability Thursday in the wake of news that former President Donald Trump has been indicted for his alleged role in a hush-money payment prevent Ms Daniels from revealing her affair with Mr Trump in the buildup to the 2016 presidential election.

“For the first time in our Country’s history, a President (current or former) of the United States has been indicted. I take no pride in issuing this statement and wish to also remind everyone of the presumption of innocence; as provided by the due process clause,” Mr Cohen said in a statement reported by Maggie Haberman of The New York Times.

Mr Cohen said he takes “solace” in the the notion that no one, not even a former president, is above the law — and suggested that, in the coming weeks, he’s content to sit back and watch the case proceed from a distance.

“Now that the charges have been filed, it is better for the case to let the indictment speak for itself,” Mr Cohen said. “The two things I wish to say at this time is that accountability matters and I stand by my testimony and the evidence I have provided to DANY.”

Clark Brewster, an attorney for Ms Daniels, greeted news of the indictment with a similar call to let the process play out.

“The hard work and conscientiousness of the grand jurors must be respected,” Brewster said. “Now let truth and justice prevail. No one is above the law. #teamstormy.”

Ms Daniels seemed to agree with her lawyer’s sentiment, tweeting “Thank you” in response to his tweet.