Prosecutors: Trump Must Have Known About Illegal Payments

By: David Morgan, Legal Correspondent

Date: May 29, 2024

New York - Prosecutors in the case against former President Donald Trump have argued that he must have known about the illegal hush-money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal.

In court filings submitted yesterday, prosecutors stated that Trump's involvement in the scheme was "substantial" and that he was "aware of and directed" the payments, which were made in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election.

The payments, totaling $280,000, were made to silence the women about their alleged affairs with Trump. Prosecutors allege that Trump's knowledge of the payments is a "slam dunk" and that he cannot claim he was unaware of the scheme.

Trump's legal team has denied the allegations, stating that the payments were made without Trump's knowledge or consent. However, prosecutors point to evidence that Trump reimbursed his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for the payments and was aware of the scheme's legal implications.

The case against Trump is ongoing, with prosecutors pushing for a trial to begin later this year. If convicted, Trump could face fines and up to four years in prison.