Attorney Keith Davidson continued his testimony in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, detailing the aftermath of hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal in exchange for their silence about alleged sexual encounters with Trump. Davidson represented both women and discussed his interactions with Michael Cohen, Trump’s attorney at the time, regarding the payments. Cohen is expected to be a key witness in the trial, where Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Trump denies the charges and any sexual encounters with Daniels or McDougal.
Davidson testified about the settlement agreements he reached with Cohen on behalf of Daniels and McDougal, detailing the provisions and the events that followed Trump’s election victory. He described Cohen’s reaction to not being brought to Washington to serve in the new administration, as well as the behind-the-scenes conversations surrounding the Daniels payment when it was revealed in 2018. Davidson recounted receiving threats from Cohen after the news broke, as well as his interactions with other parties involved in the case.
Before Davidson’s testimony, a hearing was held over whether Trump should be held in contempt of court for violating a gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan. Prosecutors sought fines for the violations but not jail time. Davidson’s testimony provided insight into the events leading up to and following the hush money payments, shedding light on the legal and personal dynamics at play during that time. The trial is expected to continue with more witnesses and evidence being presented.
Davidson detailed the aftermath of the hush money payments, including his interactions with Cohen and others involved in the case. He discussed the challenges and complexities of the agreements made with Daniels and McDougal, as well as the legal threats and pressure he faced from Cohen. The testimony provided a glimpse into the high-stakes environment surrounding the payments and the subsequent fallout when the agreements were made public.
The trial also touched on Cohen’s reaction to not being included in Trump’s new administration and his frustration at not being compensated for the payments made to Daniels. Davidson’s testimony highlighted the personal and professional toll the case took on those involved, as well as the legal implications of the hush money payments. The trial is ongoing, with more witnesses expected to testify and further evidence to be presented in court. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for all parties involved, including Trump, Cohen, and the women who received the hush money payments.
