Manhattan prosecutors, who are looking into hush-money payments made for Donald Trump, have now questioned Stormy Daniels, the woman at the heart of the investigation.
Daniels Meets with Investigators
Clark Brewster, Daniels’ attorney, announced on Wednesday via Twitter that he and Daniels met with investigators at the request of the district attorney’s office. Brewster stated that Daniels answered questions and agreed to be available as a witness or for further inquiry if needed. This implies that she has not yet testified before the grand jury considering whether to indict the former president.
Investigating Trump’s Involvement in Payment
Prosecutors in Alvin Bragg’s office are currently examining Trump’s involvement in a $130,000 payment to Daniels, an adult film actress, in return for her silence about an alleged affair with Trump in the early 2000s. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, arranged the payment during the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump, who denies the affair, reimbursed Cohen for the payment. The investigation aims to determine if business records were falsified to conceal the payment and if this was done to hide what was essentially a campaign donation. Trump could potentially be charged with a felony.
Cohen Testifies and Responds to Critics
Cohen has met with prosecutors multiple times and testified before a grand jury twice this week. Following his final appearance before the panel, Cohen spoke to the media on Wednesday, expressing relief that his involvement in the matter seems to be ending.
Cohen emphasized the need for Trump to be held accountable for his actions, if the facts support it. However, Joe Tacopina, one of Trump’s lawyers, questioned Cohen’s credibility as a witness, given his criminal record.
During a CNN interview, Cohen responded to Tacopina’s comments, calling him a fool and acknowledging his conviction. He emphasized that he committed the crime at the direction of, and for the benefit of, Donald Trump.
