Two documents presented at Donald Trump’s hush money trial were described as “close to being smoking guns” by law professor Ryan Goodman, who served as special counsel to the general counsel of the Department of Defense. The trial centers around Trump facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to the payment of $130,000 in hush money to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. The former president has pleaded not guilty and denies an affair with Daniels. The court heard testimony from former Trump Organization employees, including controller Jeff McConney and accounts payable supervisor Deborah Tarasoff, providing additional evidence in the case.
During a CNN interview, Goodman highlighted the significance of two documents presented in court. One was an internal payment record from Allen Weisselberg, the CFO of the Trump Organization at the time, containing handwritten notes regarding a payment to Stormy Daniels’s lawyer. The second document was handwritten notes from McConney, suggesting that the money was intended as a payment to Daniels. Goodman described these documents as crucial evidence that contradicts the argument of it being a legal fee cover-up. He pointed out specific details in the notes that indicate the true nature of the payment and its purpose.
Goodman pointed out that the handwritten notes on Michael Cohen’s bank records showed a wire transfer to Stormy Daniels’s lawyer, further connecting the payment to her. He emphasized the extraordinary nature of Weisselberg’s involvement in documenting the hush money payment in his own handwriting. In addition, McConney’s notes detailed a gross-up of the payment for taxes, which is not typical for legal fees. Goodman also mentioned testimony from Tarasoff, who indicated that only Trump had signing authority for the account from which the money was transferred, further linking him to the transaction.
Despite Trump’s plea of not guilty and his denial of any wrongdoing, the evidence presented in court, including the documents and witness testimony, paints a compelling picture of his involvement in the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. The judge presiding over the case, Judge Merchan, fined Trump an additional $1,000 for violating a gag order imposed on the trial. The judge warned of potential consequences, including imprisonment if the infractions continue. The trial continues to unfold, with more revelations and details emerging that shed light on the events surrounding the alleged affair and cover-up.
The hush money trial against Donald Trump has garnered significant attention due to the evidence presented, including two key documents that are seen as crucial in establishing the former president’s guilt. Legal expert Ryan Goodman described these documents as “close to being smoking guns,” indicating their importance in the case. Testimony from former Trump Organization employees further supports the prosecution’s argument against Trump, adding to the weight of the evidence presented in court.
The documents in question, including internal payment records and handwritten notes, provide detailed insights into the nature of the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. They contradict Trump’s claims of innocence and denial of any involvement in orchestrating the payment. Goodman pointed out specific details within the notes that reveal the true intent behind the payment, highlighting discrepancies between the official record and the handwritten notes that suggest a cover-up.
The involvement of key figures such as Allen Weisselberg, Jeff McConney, and Deborah Tarasoff, as well as testimony from other witnesses, further strengthens the case against Trump. The interconnected nature of the evidence, including bank records and wire transfers, establishes a direct link between Trump and the hush money payment. Despite Trump’s continued denial, the mounting evidence and revelations in court continue to build a compelling case against him, raising serious questions about his role in the alleged affair and subsequent cover-up. Judge Merchan’s actions, including fines for violating a gag order, underscore the seriousness of the trial and the potential consequences for Trump as it unfolds.
