A federal grand jury has formally indicted former US President Donald Trump on 34 felony counts related to his payment of hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels and former adult film actress Karen McDougal during the 2016 presidential election.
The indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, alleges that Trump directed individuals to make several payments to cover up affairs with two women. The payments totaled $130,000, according to court documents obtained by CNN.
According to a statement of facts released by prosecutors, Trump made at least one in-person appearance and multiple phone calls regarding the payment scheme. Additionally, it is alleged that Trump personally paid the hush money through a lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Prosecutors claim that Trump knowingly instructed Cohen to arrange the payments to cover up alleged extramarital affairs. They also argue that Trump used campaign funds for these payments, which was prohibited under federal election law.
Trump's lawyers have maintained that he was unaware of any wrongdoing by his former attorney and denied directing the payments. However, prosecutors say that this defense is unfounded and relies on speculative claims from Cohen about conversations between Trump and other individuals involved in the scheme.
The indictment marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into potential campaign finance law violations tied to the 2016 election. The case highlights issues of money laundering and obstruction of justice as Trump's lawyers scramble to build their defense against charges that could potentially lead to the former president serving time in federal prison.
The indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, alleges that Trump directed individuals to make several payments to cover up affairs with two women. The payments totaled $130,000, according to court documents obtained by CNN.
According to a statement of facts released by prosecutors, Trump made at least one in-person appearance and multiple phone calls regarding the payment scheme. Additionally, it is alleged that Trump personally paid the hush money through a lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Prosecutors claim that Trump knowingly instructed Cohen to arrange the payments to cover up alleged extramarital affairs. They also argue that Trump used campaign funds for these payments, which was prohibited under federal election law.
Trump's lawyers have maintained that he was unaware of any wrongdoing by his former attorney and denied directing the payments. However, prosecutors say that this defense is unfounded and relies on speculative claims from Cohen about conversations between Trump and other individuals involved in the scheme.
The indictment marks a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into potential campaign finance law violations tied to the 2016 election. The case highlights issues of money laundering and obstruction of justice as Trump's lawyers scramble to build their defense against charges that could potentially lead to the former president serving time in federal prison.
So, this is what happens when you're more concerned with keeping your mistress quiet than following the law 
Trump's got a whole lot of explaining to do about why he thought $130k was a good idea to just hand over like it was going out of style 
. And let's be real, if he didn't know what was going on, how did his lawyer not tell him? 
The plot thickens and I'm here for the drama... and also potentially some quality time in a federal prison cell 
this whole thing is wild man...i mean like we're talking about a former pres who thinks he can just pay hush money to adult film stars and think nobody will care? 
but here's the thing, it's not just about trump, it's about the system he was part of. I mean think about it, if someone from the general public did that, they'd be in serious trouble, right? But because trumps got a team of lawyers and knows all the right people, he gets to walk away unscathed? 
meanwhile, the rest of us are still dealing with the consequences of corruption in our system. it's just not fair...
This is a really tough time for Donald Trump and his team... I can only imagine how overwhelming it must feel to be going through this. 34 felony counts? That's a lot of pressure on someone's shoulders. 
It's like, you're trying to be this powerful figure, but your actions are causing so much pain and suffering for others. 
And now, with the indictment, it feels like justice is finally being served... I just hope that Trump can learn from his mistakes and take responsibility for what he did. 
Only time will tell, I guess.
130k for a little affair? what a joke, and now he's got 34 felony counts staring him down 
. A 130k payment scheme? That's just ridiculous 
. Trump's lawyers trying to spin it as Cohen just made up the conversations with other people involved is weak sauce 
. The prosecutors have some strong evidence, and if they can prove that Trump knew exactly what was going on, he's in trouble big time 
. If Trump is found guilty, it could lead to him serving time in federal prison 
. I know we're talking about politics and all, but this stuff matters 
. It's not just about Trump; it's about the integrity of our democratic system and the rule of law 
.
. It's going to be interesting to see how this all plays out 
.
i mean, come on, 34 felony counts? that's like, a whole lotta drama and stress for the man. and honestly, who needs that kind of negativity in our lives? especially when we're trying to cultivate good vibes and prioritize our well-being 
anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out... but one thing's for sure - we need to take care of ourselves during these uncertain times 
stats show that in 2024, the US had the highest number of federal convictions among all developed countries 
with a conviction rate of 87.5% 
but prosecutors have all the receipts 
and btw, money laundering & obstruction of justice are like super serious charges 
. The fact that Trump's lawyers think his defense relies on Cohen's speculative claims is just wild 
. I mean, we all know how that story goes - Michael Cohen says one thing and then has a change of heart 
. This indictment marks a huge escalation in the investigation and it'll be interesting to see how Trump's team navigates these charges 
.
. $130k isn't chump change, and now he's facing 34 felony counts? That's crazy! Interesting how the prosecution is claiming that Trump used campaign funds for these payments, that's a huge no-no 
.
and honestly, I'm not surprised that the investigation is taking this route, considering what we know about Trump's past behavior 
. The fact that he allegedly used campaign funds to cover up affairs with two women is just mind-blowing... it highlights how money can't buy you respect 
. Fingers crossed that justice will be served and the American people get the truth they deserve 
I don't understand all these laws and stuff... Can someone explain it to me in a way that makes sense? 
this is not just about trump's personal life, it's about the integrity of our democracy and how politicians think they can just get away with stuff