Last Friday reports made the rounds that Michael Cohen, a lawyer for President Trump arranged hush money to be paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. A report by the Wall Street Journal claims that the payment took place to prevent the actress from talking publicly about a sexual encounter with Mr. Trump.
While the headlines are still dominated by the discussion about President Trump’s use or non-use of the word shithole during a meeting about immigration, another news item fell off the radar. Last week the Wall Street Journal reported that shortly before the election in 2016 a lawyer for the President arranged a payout to silence the actress Stephanie Clifford from talking about her relationship with then-candidate Trump.
Clifford, a successful porn star under the name of Stormy Daniels, was on the verge of appearing on ABC’s morning show »Good Morning America« and reportedly planned an interview with the online magazine Slate. Apparently, she wanted to talk to Slate about an affair she had with Mr. Trump after the two met during a 2006 golf tournament.
Trump lawyer Michael D. Cohen then arranged a payment of $130,000 to pay for Ms. Clifford’s silence. A representative for Slate said that the porn star was still tempted to go public because shortly before the election the payment was late and she got worried that the deal might fall through once the election was over. At the time Mr. Trump was in hot water because of several women stepping forward alleging that he mistreated them.
The negotiations with ABC’s morning show »Good Morning America« with Ms. Clifford likewise came to an end after the money was paid.
Mr. Cohen denies the affair between Trump and Stormy Daniels and insists: »These rumors have circulated time and again since 2011. President Trump once again vehemently denies any such occurrence as has Ms. Daniels.« Additionally, he published a statement signed by the actress as well claiming that her involvement with Mr. Trump was neither sexual nor romantic. It also states: »Rumors that I have received hush money from Donald Trump are completely false.«
Nevertheless, the White House decided to also comment on the report: »These are old, recycled reports, which were published and strongly denied prior to the election.«