In a revealing testimony, Michael Cohen shed light on the behind-the-scenes machinations leading up to the infamous $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels.
According to Cohen, former President Donald Trump initially wanted to delay paying Daniels until after the 2016 election, hoping that her silence might not be necessary once the votes were cast.
However, upon learning that Daniels was poised to share her story with a British tabloid, Trump swiftly changed course, consulting with friends and allies before instructing Cohen to make the payment.
Trump’s Associates Told Him to “Just Pay” Stormy Daniels, Cohen Says
Cohen recounted Trump’s directive, saying, “He stated to me that he had spoken to some friends, some individuals, smart people, and that it’s $130,000. You’re a billionaire, just pay it.”
Trump reportedly concluded that there was no reason to prolong the matter, urging Cohen to “just do it” and meet with Allen Weisselberg, the Trump Organization’s former chief financial officer, to finalize the deal.
Call logs presented in court revealed that Weisselberg did indeed speak with Cohen before the payment was made, underscoring the “urgency” to resolve the situation.
With Daniels threatening to exacerbate Trump’s issues with women voters, CohenF paid her and her attorney $130,000, later receiving reimbursement to the tune of $420,000 – an amount intended to cover taxes on the payment, which was falsely claimed as a legal expense.
Trump now faces accusations of falsifying business records to conceal the payment, which prosecutors argue should have been publicly disclosed as a campaign contribution.
