In a bombshell revelation, a secret recording of Donald Trump discussing hush-money payments to Playboy model Karen McDougal has been played in court, shedding new light on the former president’s alleged efforts to silence his accusers.
The recording, made by Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, without Trump’s knowledge, appears to contradict Trump’s claims of ignorance about the payments.
According to prosecutors, the recording proves Trump was fully aware of the $150,000 payment to McDougal, made just before the 2016 presidential election.
Bombshell Recording Implicates Trump in Hush-Money Scandal
As the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal trial, Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records, which he claims are politically motivated. The prosecution argues that Trump paid or discussed paying two women, Stormy Daniels and McDougal, to keep quiet about their alleged affairs with him.
Trump denies any wrongdoing, but the recording suggests otherwise. In the tape, Trump can be heard asking Cohen, “So what do we got to pay for this? One-fifty?” Cohen allegedly responds by explaining the need for a front company to reimburse a publisher for paying McDougal for her silence.
The recording is a crucial piece of evidence in the case, as it appears to show Trump’s direct involvement in the hush-money payments. Prosecutors argue that these payments constitute illegal campaign contributions, as they were made to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.
Trump’s legal team has yet to comment on the recording, but the revelation has sent shockwaves through the political world. As the trial continues, the public is left wondering what other secrets may be revealed about Trump’s dealings.
