Donald Trump faced off with Michael Cohen on Tuesday as his former fixer took the stand at his $250million fraud trial in New York to claim how the ex-president ordered him to boost his assets. 

In their first face to face meeting in five years, Trump stared intently at Cohen, who confidently walked into the Manhattan courtroom, briefly glancing in his direction. 

He stood up to be sworn in at the stand and gave his name and address.

Speaking to the court, Cohen affirmed that he used to be a lawyer in New York but was disbarred in 2019. 

He confirmed he pleaded guilty to eight counts related to campaign finance violations and lying to Congress that year which led to him being jailed for three years.

Cohen said he breached campaign finance laws over a hush money payment to former Playmate Karen McDougal by checking documents to 'ensure Mr. Trump was protected'.

Asked who he was working for during his crimes, Cohen said: 'Donald J. Trump.'

The highly anticipated testimony marks the first time the two former allies have been seen in the same room since their relationship deteriorated in 2018. 

Speaking to reporters as he arrived at earlier this morning, Trump noted that Cohen served prison time after pleading guilty to tax evasion, lying to Congress, and campaign finance violations.

'He's a proven liar,' said Trump, who is expected to testify later in the trial.

Speaking on the stand, Cohen said that in 2018 when he was first accused by prosecutors there was an 'overwhelming amount of misinformation' out there about him.