NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Monday, May 20, 2024

Episode Date: May 21, 2024

Former President Donald Trump’s defense team calls their first witness after prosecution rests in the ongoing hush money trial, Iran’s president was killed in a helicopter crash along with eight others, the ICC is seeking arrest warrants for Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu and leaders of Hamas for alleged war crimes, and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Tonight, Donald Trump's defense team calling its first witness after the prosecution rested in his hush money trial. The drama in the courtroom, the judge clashing with one of the defense witnesses, warning not to give him, quote, side eye. It came after Michael Cohen's final day on the stand and what he admitted to stealing from the Trump organization, our team at the courthouse. Also tonight, Iran's president confirmed dead in a helicopter crash along with eight others. What caused it and how will it impact Middle East tensions? Plus his defiant words to me in his last U.S. network interview inside Iran before his death. The International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hamas leaders, accusing them of war crimes, how Netanyahu and the U.S. are firing back.

The tornado outbreak, 17 across multiple states, and where the threat is headed tonight. Nearly eight weeks after it destroyed that bridge in Baltimore, that massive ship finally moved out, the crew still on board. Sean Diddy Combs apologizing after video showed him violently attacking his ex-girlfriend, the growing fallout, and the powerful new memorial at the site of one of America's darkest chapters. This is NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. Good evening and welcome. The prosecution of the Donald Trump criminal trial has rested its case against the former president after doing its best to rehabilitate the credibility of its star witness, former Trump fixer Michael Cohen.

Day four of Cohen on the stand featured more cross-examination by the defense. Trump lawyer Todd Blanch resumed his mission to paint Cohen as a serial liar bent on revenge, even getting Cohen to admit he had stolen tens of thousands of dollars from the Trump organization. And then late today, the defense starting its case, putting former Cohen legal advisor Robert Costello on the stand, who told the jury Cohen had lied about what Mr. Trump knew about the reimbursement of hush money payments. But Costello's behavior irking Judge Juan Merchan, who briefly paused testimony to admonish the witness. Laura Jarrett with more on today's legal fireworks. Tonight, former President Trump's defense team launching a fiery start to its case,

taking direct aim at the credibility of star prosecution witness Michael Cohen, calling Robert Costello, a former federal prosecutor and attorney for Rudy Giuliani, who advised Cohen before a falling out. Costello describing Cohen as, quote, manic at a 2018 meeting after Cohen's home and office were raided by the FBI. While Cohen is now implicating Mr. Trump in an alleged crime, Costello testifying, Cohen told him back then, I swear to God, Bob, I don't have anything on Donald Trump,

directly refuting Cohen's testimony that Mr. Trump directed him to pay off Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Quote, Michael Cohen said numerous times that President Trump knew nothing about those payments and that he did this on his own. Costello testifying the judge repeatedly sustaining prosecution objections, leading to a heated scolding of Costello after he audibly muttered, quote, Ridiculous and geez. The judge at one point saying, Are you staring me down and clearing the courtroom? All of it after Cohen earlier revealed he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his former client. Cohen, who once said he would take a bullet for Mr. Trump,

today admitting he duped his old boss into reimbursing him more money than he was owed. Cohen saying that he gave a tech company $20,000 in a brown paper bag and pocketed the rest, tens of thousands of dollars more for himself. Trump attorney Todd Blanch saying, you stole from the Trump organization, right? Cohen answering, yes, sir. Later, when questioned by the prosecutor, Cohen saying he stole the money

because he had not received a large enough bonus. Quote, I just felt it was almost like self-help, Cohen said. The defense also suggesting Cohen has profited in other ways off his association with the former president, pointing to the fact that he raked in over $4 million in consulting agreements while also serving as Mr. Trump's personal attorney. And the defense says Cohen is now cashing in as a top Trump critic, too, making over $3 million on two books, while Cohen testified he's considering a potential TV show and a third book, the defense calling it a motivation to lie. Blanche asking,

do you have a financial interest in the outcome of this case? Cohen saying, yes, sir, though Cohen insisted he'd make more money if Mr. Trump were acquitted, because Cohen says it gives me more to talk about in the future. Cohen's credibility critical to the DA's case, as he's the only witness who has testified the former president had advanced knowledge of the plan to pay Stormy Daniels and then approved a scheme to disguise how he paid Cohen back, which Mr. Trump denies. DONALD TRUMP, President of the United States, There were no crimes. We did nothing wrong.

And I want to get back to campaigning. I'm representing millions and millions, hundreds of millions of people. Cohen, in exchange with prosecutors today, quote, Do you have any doubt Mr. Trump gave you the final sign-off for the payment before you went to the bank? Cohen replying, No doubt. And, Laura, the defense late today asked the judge to dismiss the case. Where does that stand? Yes, Lester, the judge did not rule on that motion just yet, but did not seem inclined to take this case out of the hands of the jury.

Meanwhile, Bob Costello is expected back on the stand for more cross-examination tomorrow. Lester. All right, Laura Jarrett, thanks. Much of the world has been holding its collective breath in the hour since learning of the death of Iran's President Ibrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Keir Simmons reports on a potentially destabilizing moment. Tonight, the wreckage of the fiery crash that killed Iran's president and its foreign minister in a region already rocked by instability and war. TV crews reaching the remote scene today,

the hardline leader of America's long-standing adversary, dead suddenly, and it seems by accident. Today in the streets of Tehran, men openly wept for President Raisi, seen as a potential successor to Iran's ageing supreme leader. At some Iranian embassies in the West, opponents celebrated. The U.S. tonight says there are no signs of outside interference and saying Iran's government reached out for help during the rescue effort. Ultimately, largely for logistical reasons, we weren't able to provide that assistance. Raisi described today as a friend by fellow presidents Putin and Xi, Hamas sending its sympathies.

Since the October 7th terror attacks, Iran's proxies have launched multiple offensives escalating the tension in the region. And tonight from Tehran, an advisor to the government telling NBC News not to expect policy changes despite the unexpected death. This is a big loss. But when we're talking about the general direction of the state, it goes beyond any individual. Lester Holt sat down with Raisi last year in what was among his last interviews with Western media. Raisi telling Lester that billions of dollars unfrozen

during a deal with the US in exchange for five American prisoners were Tehran's to use as it wanted. Do you believe you have the right to use that money in any way that you see fit? This money belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran and naturally we will decide, the Islamic Republic of Iran will decide to spend it wherever we need it. Raisi crushed internal dissent, including a wave of demonstrations for women's rights. Some of the worst human rights abuses occurred during his tenure as president, especially the human rights abuses against the women and girls of Iran.

That said, we regret any loss of life. Funerals will begin tomorrow, Lester. Elections at the end of June. Then America will know which Iranian president it will face in the years to come. Lester. Keir Simmons, thank you. The top prosecutor of the International Criminal Court is seeking arrest warrants for both Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders on charges of crimes against humanity. Raf Sanchez is in Israel with more. What a travesty of justice. What a disgrace. Tonight, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denouncing the International Criminal Court

after its prosecutor accused him of war crimes in Gaza and called for a global warrant for his arrest. The prosecutor also seeking to arrest Israel's defense minister and the three top leaders of Hamas's military and political wings. Israel accused of deliberately starving civilians in Gaza by choking off food supplies. Prosecutor Karim Khan also says Israel intentionally targeted civilians. These crimes were committed in the context of the ongoing armed conflict and as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza. Netanyahu denying the charges.

Mr. Khan creates a twisted and false moral equivalence between the leaders of Israel and the henchmen of Hamas. This is like creating a moral equivalence after September 11th between President Bush and Osama bin Laden. President Biden calling the prosecutor's move outrageous. Let me be clear. We reject the ICC's application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. Hamas accused of atrocities during the October 7th terror attack and beyond. Allegations including murder, rape, torture and hostage taking. Hostages must be released immediately. Hamas denies committing war crimes as the wheels of

international justice begin to turn. If ICC judges approve the warrant, Netanyahu could face arrest in any nation that's party to the court, including most of Europe. Lester. Raf Sanchez, thank you. We're in for another week of potentially dangerous storms in the plains and Midwest, tens of millions at risk after a weekend that brought more destructive weather. Here's Priscilla Thompson. Another vicious storm system, this time barreling toward the Central Plains and Midwest. After a violent night when at least 13 reported twisters tore a path of destruction through Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma, injuring two. No! Oh my gosh!

The I-70 corridor whipped by winds topping 100 miles per hour. Drivers seen here sheltering at a gas station as baseball-sized hail rained down. Here in Houston, thousands are suffering through a fourth day without power. Today, lines at food drives like this one wrapped around the block. Some running out of food for hundreds within less than two hours. We were inundated with families today, multiple families per car. People really do seem to need some additional assistance. My concern was him having a heat stroke. Some now turning to cooling centers as temperatures soar into the 90s throughout the week. What was it like in that house? If you turn on your oven at 350 degrees and you open it up, that's how it feels in the house.

EMS rescuing senior citizens inside this crumbling assisted living facility after officials say they were abandoned for days. No food, no ice, no none. Tonight, millions across the South and Midwest in the bullseye for severe weather, with spring storms showing no signs of letting up. And Priscilla joins us now live from Houston. Priscilla, what are the big concerns heading into this evening? Lester, tonight, 16 million people from the Central Plains to the Midwest are at risk for high winds, damaging hail and potentially deadly tornadoes as severe weather is forecast across the country for the next three days.

Lester. Priscilla Thompson, thank you. In 60 seconds, how the container ship that brought down that bridge in Baltimore was finally moved. And Sean Combs apology after that video showed him attacking his former girlfriend. What her lawyer and others are now saying. Stay with us. Nearly eight weeks after it slammed into Baltimore's key bridge and brought it crashing down, that massive cargo ship finally towed back to port today with the help of tugboats. The crew was still aboard some

55 days later. The ship is expected to eventually head to Virginia for repairs. Also tonight, Sean Diddy Combs apologizing after that shocking video surface showing the music mogul brutally assaulting his then girlfriend back in 2016. Chloe Malas reports. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. Sean Diddy Combs now walking back his denial of domestic abuse in the wake of disturbing footage showing him violently attacking former girlfriend Cassie Ventura. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. Combs posting an apology to his Instagram late yesterday. I went and I sought out professional help. I had to go into therapy and go into rehab. The surveillance footage, which was obtained by CNN, shows Combs chasing Ventura in the hallway

of a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. Combs is seen grabbing Ventura by the neck and throwing her to the ground before repeatedly kicking her and dragging her down a hallway. But I'm committed to be a better man each and every day. I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm truly sorry. Ventura's attorney slamming Combs' response that he was only compelled to apologize once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words. New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he's weighing whether to rescind

the New York native's key to the city. We were probably sick to our stomach. In March, federal agents raided Combs' properties in Los Angeles and Miami as part of an investigation into alleged sex trafficking. Feds are investigating him. And so if they didn't have this video then, they certainly have it now. And they could utilize it as evidence for any underlying charges they may lodge against him. Combs is already facing multiple civil lawsuits alleging abuse and sexual assault. Chloe Malas, NBC News, New York.

And up next as we continue tonight, Red Lobster files for bankruptcy protection, what it means, and test strips used to detect fentanyl, why the results may not tell the whole story. There are major troubles tonight for Red Lobster, the nation's largest seafood chain, filing for bankruptcy after closing dozens of locations last week. The company says its other locations will remain open through the Chapter 11 process. Now to our series, One Nation Overdosed. Last year, the Fed seized more than 75 million counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. Test strips are touted as one tool to reduce harm,

but how accurate are they? Here's Vicki Wynn. Search illicit drugs on social media and messaging apps, and you'll see dealers claiming their drugs have been tested for fentanyl. Should users trust that? Absolutely not. Detective Patrick Craven helps lead the newly formed Placer County Opioid Response Team. His investigation into the 2022 fatal fentanyl poisoning of 15-year-old Jules Wolfe led to California's first murder conviction of a drug dealer for providing fentanyl-laced pills. Nathaniel Kabakungen put out there that his pills did not contain fentanyl, and that was not the case. Regina Chavez believes her daughter Jules' death

was an accidental overdose. Kabakungen, who advertised his pills were tested and free of fentanyl, gave Jules a counterfeit Percocet. What do you want parents to know about these test strips? I want parents to be concerned because these test strips are providing a false sense of security. While test strips do work, investigators say for accurate results, the entire pill or batch needs to be tested, which police say is not understood or practical for most users. Is it possible that when you test just a portion of the pill, it could show up as negative for fentanyl while the rest of the pill is positive? It's very possible.

We purchased three types of test strips and asked Detective Craven to show us how they work. Craven tested counterfeit pills from a recent drug seizure. All came back positive for fentanyl. No pill is processed and made in the same way and therefore they don't contain even amounts of fentanyl. The DEA says 70% of the counterfeit pills it tested last year contained a deadly dose of fentanyl. In Los Angeles, accidental overdoses from fentanyl are up more than 1,600%. Nationwide, fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45. That surge has led many health departments like New York and Chicago to spend millions to provide

free fentanyl test strips to users, although there isn't clear data to prove the strips are preventing overdoses. For Jewel's mother, Regina, the messaging is clear. Unless you've personally tested the entire pill or batch, don't trust it's fentanyl free.

My baby is still doing amazing things, even after she's gone, to help save our communities, to help save our children. Vicki Nguyen, NBC News, Placer County, California. And up next for us, the emotional return to a painful chapter in American history, why there's hope the new National Historic Site will break new ground for a new generation. Finally, a first look at one of America's newest national parks and the decades-long push from Japanese Americans to make it happen. Here's Emily Akeda. This is pretty high brush. For the first time, Hideko Hamamoto is returning to her birthplace, Amachi, a Japanese incarceration camp that held innocent families seen as threats for merely looking like the enemy in World War II.

120,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans within four months were put into barracks. I mean, how does that happen? Today, the foundations of the barracks remain in Grenada, Colorado. Okay. Along with fragments of daily life, marbles, tin cans from 80 years before. Photos show a young Hideko playing with a tin can turned toy. Enduring the unthinkable with dignity. Now she's walking those grounds again alongside her daughter and granddaughter.

It's a little emotional. They should have been protected by the government who instead incarcerated them. I think that being here kind of reminded me of the connection that it has to the present and to like who I really am and it's not just some kind of isolated me of the connection that it has to the present and to like who I really am. And it's not just some kind of isolated separate era. It's a feeling I share. You know, my grandfather used to share, he had this vivid memory of a child where he would look through the barbed wire. He would look up at the armed guards as an eight-year-old boy and wonder, why am I here?

For decades, survivors like Bob Fuchigami have pushed for Amache to become a national historic site. This year, those efforts were officially realized. It's one thing to talk about it. It's another to actually be on the grounds, think about being placed there. Continuing a decades-old tradition, hundreds descended on the site over the weekend to remember those who endured and have since passed. There was a breeze coming through,

and it was almost as if they were saying, thank you for being here here and don't let this happen again. It's important to remember. Emily Ikeda, NBC News, Grenada, Colorado. And that is nightly news for this Monday. Thank you for watching. I'm Lester Holt. Please take care of yourself and each other. Good night.