Trump sues ex-lawyer, fixer Cohen, key figure in indictment, for over $500 million

Former President Donald Trump is suing his ex-attorney and fixer Michael Cohen for over $500 million, court documents filed in Florida on Wednesday show. 

Trump filed the lawsuit after Cohen testified to a Manhattan grand jury in District Attorney Alvin Bragg's probe of the former president that resulted in the recent, 34-count felony indictment, according to Reuters. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Cohen made the hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, which is central to the Bragg case.  

Trump's lawsuit accuses Cohen of violating attorney-client privilege by revealing "confidences" and "spreading falsehoods" about Trump in books and media appearances. 

Cohen wrongfully labeled Trump "racist" in his 2020 book, "Disloyal" and he falsified conversations with the former president, the lawsuit states. 

"The timing of 'Disloyal's' release, just prior to the November 3, 2020 Presidential Election, suggests that defendant intended to improperly disclose plaintiff's confidences when it would be most lucrative to do so – and while "Disloyal" would be sure to have the most damaging reputational effect," the lawsuit said.