Trump indicted over hush money payments in Stormy Daniels probe The indictment against the twice-impeached Mr Trump makes him the first former US president to face criminal charges
And still the darling of Republicans everywhere. My Cousin and her husband (30 years US military service ) are Republican to the core and idolise him. Strange really because otherwise they are really likeable and personable, until you want to give their tax dollars to the unemployed or the sick. They hate people on welfare.
Trump indicted over hush money payments in Stormy Daniels probe The indictment against the twice-impeached Mr Trump makes him the first former US president to face criminal charges
It is, as yet, not clear exactly what charges Trump will face. But 1 thing needs to be made clear-the payment to Stormy Daniels is not, of itself, illegal. It might show him to be a ghastly human being-but that is not a criminal offence.
The first problem Donald Trump faces is what happened to Michael Cohen. He got a 3 year prison sentence, having been found Guilty of making this exact payment (and also 1 to a Playboy model) on Trump's behalf. And-worse-it is becoming clear that Cohen will testify against Trump.
The next problem he has is that he recorded this as a "business expense". I don't know New York state law, but I strongly suspect that paying hush money to sexual partners is not tax deductible.
Finally, there is the problem as to where this money came from. It appears that this money may have come from campaign funds. Diverting money for this purpose is going to be illegal.
As usual, Trump's response is bluster, and attempts to make this all about him. As opposed to what he may, or may not, have done.
It would seem that Mr Trump has spent $300,000 of campaign funds for a totally separate purpose, without the consent of the donors. And pretended this money was his for the purpose of tax evasion.
And so the Trump fan boys desperately try to latch on to anything to try and avoid their hero answering the real questions. Which are:-
1. Did Trump arrange for his aide Cohen to pay $130,000 to Daniels, and/or $180,000 to MacDougal? 2. Were either or both of these payments declared as a legitimate business expense for tax purposes? 3. Was the money actually diverted from Campaign funds?
The Grand Jury have not determined Guilt. Merely that there is enough for a Case to be brought.
The short answer to 1 above is, in all probability "yes". Because of the Cohen conviction.
But a Criminal Offence will only exist if the answer to 2 or 3 is yes as well. Which is where the battle will be fought.
Does beg the question-why did Trump not do more to help Cohen previously?
There have been lots of instances where Trump has deserted his loyal lieutenants. But this one looks really, really stupid.
All sorts of stuff emerged today, & it seems that Trump (via Cohen or The National Enquirer) was paying "silence money" left right & centre, as a matter of routine.
Whether he gets found guilty or not, the cat is out of the bag now & he'll suffer more damage outside the Courtroom than in it.
And remember, he has several other legal problems, including his shameless attempt to get the 11,000 votes he needed in Georgia, which was caught on tape.
All sorts of stuff emerged today, & it seems that Trump (via Cohen or The National Enquirer) was paying "silence money" left right & centre, as a matter of routine.
Whether he gets found guilty or not, the cat is out of the bag now & he'll suffer more damage outside the Courtroom than in it.
And remember, he has several other legal problems, including his shameless attempt to get the 11,000 votes he needed in Georgia, which was caught on tape.
Comments
About time too.
Twice impeached, now facing criminal charges.
trump calls on his supporters to riot.
He then gets charged with incitement to riot.
5 Years imprisonment
And charged with trying to overthrow the government through violent means.
20 Years Imprisonment.
Charged with treason.
The maximum penalty is death for treason, but strike that.
Another 20 years.
Please.
Looks like he is due to appear in Court in New York on Tuesday.
What a story this promises to be.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-us-canada-64993429
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-65106767
The first problem Donald Trump faces is what happened to Michael Cohen. He got a 3 year prison sentence, having been found Guilty of making this exact payment (and also 1 to a Playboy model) on Trump's behalf. And-worse-it is becoming clear that Cohen will testify against Trump.
The next problem he has is that he recorded this as a "business expense". I don't know New York state law, but I strongly suspect that paying hush money to sexual partners is not tax deductible.
Finally, there is the problem as to where this money came from. It appears that this money may have come from campaign funds. Diverting money for this purpose is going to be illegal.
As usual, Trump's response is bluster, and attempts to make this all about him. As opposed to what he may, or may not, have done.
It would seem that Mr Trump has spent $300,000 of campaign funds for a totally separate purpose, without the consent of the donors. And pretended this money was his for the purpose of tax evasion.
"trial to prove innocence"
1. Did Trump arrange for his aide Cohen to pay $130,000 to Daniels, and/or $180,000 to MacDougal?
2. Were either or both of these payments declared as a legitimate business expense for tax purposes?
3. Was the money actually diverted from Campaign funds?
The Grand Jury have not determined Guilt. Merely that there is enough for a Case to be brought.
The short answer to 1 above is, in all probability "yes". Because of the Cohen conviction.
But a Criminal Offence will only exist if the answer to 2 or 3 is yes as well. Which is where the battle will be fought.
Does beg the question-why did Trump not do more to help Cohen previously?
There have been lots of instances where Trump has deserted his loyal lieutenants. But this one looks really, really stupid.
trump explains it better...
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/trump-gets-underwhelming-show-of-support-outside-new-york-court/ar-AA19tphG?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=4d8b14896a2c4b0ea2738ebe5bf2dd5a&ei=57
https://uk.yahoo.com/news/donald-trump-arrives-york-courthouse-165300240.html
All sorts of stuff emerged today, & it seems that Trump (via Cohen or The National Enquirer) was paying "silence money" left right & centre, as a matter of routine.
Whether he gets found guilty or not, the cat is out of the bag now & he'll suffer more damage outside the Courtroom than in it.
And remember, he has several other legal problems, including his shameless attempt to get the 11,000 votes he needed in Georgia, which was caught on tape.