A lawyer who represented Stormy Daniels, the adult film star who claimed to have had a sexual encounter with Donald Trump, testified in the former president’s criminal hush money trial. Attorney Keith Davidson also represented Karen McDougal, a model who alleged an affair with Trump. He facilitated the sale of their stories and negotiated deals for their silence.
Davidson expressed regret in texts to the National Enquirer editor after finalizing a deal to prevent McDougal from going public about her relationship with Trump. He admitted in court that their efforts may have supported Trump’s presidential campaign. A recording of Trump discussing the payment to McDougal’s silence was played in court.
The jury saw a $130,000 agreement with Daniels to keep her story confidential, with Trump’s company reimbursing Cohen for this payment. Davidson admitted to only interacting with Cohen, not directly with Trump. There was also a hearing regarding Trump violating a gag order, resulting in fines and potential additional fines for further violations.
Prosecutors argued that Trump’s rhetoric led to the gag order, which he allegedly violated numerous times. Trump’s defense attorney countered that certain comments should be exempt from the order. The judge did not immediately rule on the gag order violations.
Trump faces multiple felony charges related to hush money payments and falsifying records. He has been campaigning while also attending court sessions and maintains his innocence. Trump criticized the timing of the trial and expressed his annoyance with the legal proceedings.
This story is still developing, and updates are expected.
