Michael Cohen, President Trump’s former personal lawyer, has been sentenced to prison for campaign finance violations related to hush-money payments made to women who claimed to have had affairs with Donald Trump. However, a new report reveals that Cohen was not alone in predicting that these hush-money payments could cause legal trouble for the President. In fact, one of Trump’s own lawyers warned him of the potential problems before the payments were made.
Trump’s Lawyer Warned of Potential Problems with Hush-Money Payments
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Jay Goldberg, a longtime lawyer for Donald Trump, warned the President about the potential legal troubles that could arise from the hush-money payments. Goldberg reportedly advised Trump that making the payments could be considered an illegal campaign contribution and could lead to criminal charges. The report also states that Goldberg urged Trump to settle any potential lawsuits that could arise from the affairs without making payments or admitting fault.
Despite Goldberg’s warnings, Trump went ahead with the payments, which were made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Both women claimed to have had affairs with Trump, which he denies. The payments were made through Cohen, who later pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations related to the payments and was sentenced to three years in prison.
Legal Troubles Mount as Hush-Money Payments Come Under Scrutiny
Since Cohen’s guilty plea, the hush-money payments have come under increasing scrutiny by law enforcement authorities. In addition to the campaign finance violations, the payments have also been the subject of investigations into possible bank fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors have been examining whether the payments were properly disclosed on Trump’s financial statements and whether they violated any laws related to the use of corporate funds for political purposes.
In addition to the legal troubles, the hush-money payments have also had political repercussions for the President. Democrats in Congress have launched multiple investigations into the payments and other possible instances of misconduct by Trump and his associates. The President has denied any wrongdoing and has called the investigations a "witch hunt." However, the ongoing legal and political scrutiny is likely to continue to cast a shadow over his presidency.
The revelation that one of Trump’s own lawyers warned him about the potential problems with the hush-money payments underscores the legal and political risks that the President took by making them. As the investigations into the payments continue, it remains to be seen what consequences Trump and his associates will face. However, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of consulting with legal experts and being mindful of the potential consequences of one’s actions, especially in the realm of politics and government.
