I recently received a trove of documents from the FBI related to the ongoing hush money trial involving former President Donald Trump, shedding new light on the financial intricacies surrounding the case. These documents, originating from First Republic Bank, detail the transactions linked to Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen’s payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
These documents contain important revelations, particularly given the limited visibility into the evidence at the heart of the trial due to restrictions on courtroom cameras.
My journey to obtain these documents began five years ago when I filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the FBI. I sought key witness interview summaries and supporting materials from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and potential obstruction by Trump.
Checks Uncover Reimbursement for Cohen’s Stormy Daniels Deal
Now, I have 25 pages of Cohen’s supplemental interview material so that I can share insights into his financial transactions surrounding the hush money payment.
These records were recently presented in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case against Trump, with prosecutors using them to illustrate how Cohen established a bank account under the shell company Essential Consultants LLC to facilitate the $130,000 payment to Daniels in exchange for her silence about an alleged affair with Trump.
The documents reveal various aspects of Cohen’s financial dealings, including account listings, signature card agreements, and certificates of formation for Essential Consultants. A “know your customer” form also sheds light on the LLC’s purpose and intended activities, emphasizing real estate consulting and investment work.
One remarkable document is an authorization form for a wire transfer dated October 27, 2016, which the FBI redacted to conceal the dollar amount and recipient. However, it’s widely understood to be the payment to Daniels’ attorney, Keith Davidson, with “Retainer” listed as the wire’s purpose.
These disclosures provide crucial insights into the financial mechanisms behind the hush money payment and its orchestration. As the trial progresses, Cohen’s testimony, informed by these documents, is anticipated to provide further clarity on the events surrounding this historic case. For now, the public gains valuable access to the underlying evidence shaping one of American history’s most serious criminal trials.
