Oh, sweet irony! That an adult film actress might bring Trump down because of his debauched character, inattention to detail, and self-entitlement. BTW, what does Melania tell herself every day in order to retain any self-respect?
99
If not a campaign contribution, then the payment by Cohen on Trumps behalf would be a taxable gift. Trump should have reported it as income. Should Trump be more afraid of Mueller or the IRS?
45
Mr. Cohen says he wasn't reimbursed for the $130,000 payment by either the Trump organization or the Trump campaign. He doesn't say he wasn't reimbursed at all for facilitating the hush money payment. In fact, he doesn't address whether Trump himself personally reimbursed him. In which case it wasn't an illegal campaign contribution (Trump disclosed that he used his own person money for his campaign).
It's possible that Trump did sign the agreement and did reimburse his attorney which would make him a liar and a cheat but it wouldn't surprise anybody.
As for the timing of the hush money payment, Stormy Daniels is responsible for the timing and for the agreement itself by seeking it as he was running for President. And she got a much better deal by waiting so long after the affair to seek hush money.
Regarding the provisions about paternity and photos - that's all boilerplate language, when all the other agreements come out we'll see how similar the wording is in all of them.
14
He does, after all, have pretty good taste.
She doesn't, but he does.
21
I guess this makes Mrs T out to be either A) Only in it for the money, or B) Only in it for the money. Personally, I think she is a solid B.
53
If there be a shred of decency and honor left among the Stormy Daniel Republicans, they will acknowledge the gross double standard here for Commander in Chief Trump. Any US military officers similarly accused would be subject to court martial, one year imprisonment, dishonorable discharge, and loss of pension.
83
Michael Cohen paid Clifford $130,000 in exchange for her agreement to take her complaint about her sexual relationship with Trump to arbitration. The questions remain: was this a gag order? Does the non disclosure agreement prevent her from filing a lawsuit? How can Cohen’s denial of not being reimbursed by Trump or the campaign, to suppress suspicion that the money qualifies as a campaign contribution, be substantiated?
17
I believe that every time Trump feels he is developing anything resembling a moral compass, he immediately lies down until the feeling passes. And then he immediately commences lying.
55
Let's assume it's true. Stormy and her lawyer are extortionists, and he's rightfully ashamed. Can we move on to denuking North Korea now?
15
No.
85
Note that Stormy's paperwork mentions "paternity issues".
Keep you eyes on that. Could be the impetus for all the Trump pushback.
Just sayin'.....
NOT my president
53
Where are the allegedly morally superior republicans now? Frauds and hypocrites....
79
I think he’s using his meeting with N Korea as a great distraction to deflect interest in this discretion of his
46
When it comes down to the wire, Trump will admit all, and the entire issue will blow over into anticlimax, just as his admission that Obama's birth certificate was valid. The man is a pig, and since porn is accessible to all, betrayals of country, marriage vows, friendship, and business is de regueur, it won't make any difference to anyone. The nation may as well be known as "Vulgaria".
50
People are quite childish and silly to care who is having sex with who ... grow up.
6
Unless campaign finance laws have been broken....it's not about the sex. The country has already given him a pass on that.
70
I think Trump should take a polygraph test.
It might be interesting to see how his results
compare to those of Stormy Daniels.
18
If it weren't for the campaign finance violation issue, this would be nothing more than the latest tawdry allegation about Trump, who wouldn't recognize a scandal if it hit him head-on.
Meanwhile, Ms. Clifford is performing in Myrtle Beach strip clubs this week before moving on to Florida. The local press is giving her a lot of free publicity. This is NOT the kind of thing I want my hometown known for. Please move on, Ms. Clifford.
8
"...Trump...may have to testify in depositions..."
Man, oh man...I would pay a ticket-scalper's price to sit in the gallery and watch that. With perjury attached and a platoon of fact-checkers ready to beaver away in real time during questioning...Wow, what a spectacle that would make.
36
Why is it that all I could think of is 'poor Melania'?
21
Who among Donald’s accomplices has been closer to him than Stormy?
If Mueller doesn’t call her as a witness and get the event televised,
I’m going to be very disappointed in him.
The ratings I predict will be as high as the Super Bowl’s, probably higher.
$130,000 is a kind of odd figure. What could it signify?
130 fornications each valued @ $1000 = $130,000
13 fornications each valued @ $10,000 = $130,000
1 fornication valued @ $130,000 = $130,000
10 unsuccessful fornications each valued @ $13,000 = $130,000
I guess a lot depends on whether you consider 13 a lucky number.
She could have done much better than him.
24
Why are we even talking about this? In the past such an affair would have been cause for impeachment. Nobody is creditably denying it—there are too many witnesses—we are just skirting the whole issue. Donald Trump, a married man, had an affair with a porn star, even taking her to his home in his wife's absence. The only thing that mitigates the impact of this news is that we already knew his view of women and that he routinely molested them.
33
Why ask him to testify. We know he will just lie.
14
"As any longtime legal hand in the capital remembers well, it was a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by ... Paula Jones, against Bill Clinton that led to his impeachment..."
And as even a relatively new observer of today's party politics knows well, congressional Republicans are not going to impeach trump, despite the burgeoning hard, cold evidence of his crimes against the state, his adulterous offenses against his wives, his transparent LIES, his sleazy indecency, and his bumbling incompetence.
Just another day in our glorious democracy, where we are stuck with a president that the vast majority did not choose and do not want, and where we can only watch powerlessly as Republicans reduce justice to utter irrelevance.
48
She allowed this character-challenged narcissist to become the president for a lousy $130,000? She should sue her attorney as well for the millions of dollars she should have gotten.
30
Who you gonna trust, Trump OR a porn star???? Her. 24/7, and ain't that a kick in the pants. Thanks, GOP/NRA Party.
59
As a citizen in a Democratic country with a capitalist economy, no one can blame her for trying to obtain economic benefit in relation to any type of relationship she may have had with the current President of the United States. She is just trying to take advantage of the situation. It's just a matter of money. I don't understand what is so mysterious about this issue.
4
It's nice to know that the fate of the nation may be decided by the legal technicalities surrounding a contract designed to cover up a brief affair between the POTUS and a porn star rather than minor distractions like the fate of Medicare, Social Security, the wisdom of massive tax cuts for the very wealthy combined with ever increasing deficits, the high cost of college and college debt, the dwindling minimum wage, not to mention climate change, and our increasingly corrupt and dysfunctional electoral system.
32
In the movie, Ivanka could plays Stormy.
28
If Trump did in fact not sign the pay-off legal document to the porn star, then he deserves what happens. The doc is not legally binding at that point. Horrible president.
28
A pile of lies by whatever name is a pile.
President Trump lies. His lawyers lie for him.
Campaign money use is not meant to buy sex.
Déjà vu. We need Yogi Berra to explain all this.
Or Pinocchio.
14
It seems like an issue that if it keeps getting more an more publicity with cascading legal actions, perhaps some so significant that they get coverage on Fox News, could move a small number of Evangelicals to swing against Trump or fail to go to the polls. It's unrealistic to say a large number of Evangelicals will change their minds, but it's also unrealistic to say it will be zero.
Worth perhaps a few percentage points in congressional elections and perhaps slightly more in a presidential election.
For a super-tight state, that might make the difference.
I have a guess, completely unfounded, that maybe there really is a separate signature page with Trump's signature that was faxed to Stormy. Stormy's lawyer's gambit is to get the contract invalidated (in open court, not private arbitration) by pretending this sheet does not exist. They are banking on the fact that in order to prove the contract is valid, Trump's team would have to produce a copy of this page in open court, which they are presumably unwilling to do, for fear it would be published or leaked. Just totally a guess, but it would be consistent with the idea that her goal is not to humiliate Trump but rather to be free of any fear of financial penalties under the contract.
7
A good ole consensual affair sans sexual assault, Stormy got some good pub before embarking on her stripping tour, and Trump is planning a North Korea summit so he probably won’t start a nuclear war for a few months.
Feels like progress!
12
I don't understand. if the 2 parties to a contract did not each sign the same contract, how can it be valid?
Mr. doofus's lawyer may have signed it, but the contract wasn't between him and her...it was between doofus and her.
this should be a slam dunk to nullify the contract.
even the case of robo signing and missing mortgage docs drives me nuts. it's simple law. if you don't have the docs, you don't have the rights. and if you didn't read the doc and just "signed away" (as in all of the robo signing activity attesting the completeness of the submission when they weren't, which is lying to the court and should be punished accordingly) then you don't have a leg to stand in (with exceptions, as there are some things one cannot sign away even if they did read/understand/agree).
can't wait for the deposition to begin!
14
Money cant by love. Apparently it cant even buy you a decent girl on the side. What is it with men in power and actresses? Well I guess calling her an actress is a stretch.
5
I want to root for Mueller. But it would be kind of funny if a porn star was the one who brought our traitor in chief to justice.
42
If Ms. Daniels was to set up a GoFundMe account I'm sure she would collect enough money to pay the millions she would be sued by Trump (ahem or whoever paid her hush money) for breaking the confidentiality agreement.
20
Lee, I agree and I would donate to Stormy so she could show us her pictures she has on him. Since Trump and his supporters are so afraid of Muslims it would be a hoot that a very white woman would take down Our Dear Leader!
15
Paul Ryan/ Mitch McConnell/ Mike Pence you are complicit and morally bankrupt and will be remembered as such...forever.
.
However none of us takes satisfaction in this. Every sentient citizen of the great USA, and our world would surely rather have these empowered men encourage Trump to first, an understanding of the disgrace he is, and the shame, revulsion, and disadvantages he has and is wreaking on his fellow citizens, his office, his family, and together to encourage him to remove himself...to *resign*. It is the only patriotic, genuine, or loving gesture possible from this pathetic imbecile.
.
.
It would be embraced by most as significant and courageous. Please have a chat with Trump....soon. Ryan/McConnell, Pence...you have the opportunity to salvage your own obituaries as well.
16
What's Trump got to do with this? I thought we were talking about David Dennison here.
12
I really do not think anyone cares what Trump does in the bedroom. Trump does not try to be some perfect role model person. He never once said he is a great man to be adored. He is a spoiled billionaire with the same spoiled family problems. No one expects any less than a few porn stars to come crawling out of the woodwork with their grubby hands out. This woman makes her way in life having sex on video. Sex is her work. Maybe the $130,000 is her version of a 401K. Yuck.
5
If this turns out to be true, will Pastor Pence resign in disgust?
27
Maybe what DT is really worried about is that once she describes their liaison he will be exposed as not truly being up to snuff, so to speak.
17
who cares? does even Melania Trump care?
5
Have we heard from her? My guess is the First Lady will not publicly say anything. It’s possible she has a contract with Trump not to speak ill of him.
19
Some benevolent Billionaire sponsor should step up and support her and assume her legal bills.
Bloomberg, Bezos, Gates etc are you listening?.....Do it for your Country !!!
11
Why aren't the Republicans decrying this behavior by Trump to the same degree they decried Clinton's behavior? The answer is simple and straightforward: The Republicans are total hypocrites, and now they expose themselves as such.
34
Trump's actions were obviously horrible to many of us who believe in singular romantic love! However, it's obvious even more Americans don't care, and believe such sleazy behavior does not disqualify one, to be President of The United States!
4
Have far the RNC and its "Moral Majority" have traveled when Jan Baran former general counsel to the RNC suggests maybe it was just a simple "personal matter of Mr. Trump wishing to keep a secret from his wife".
Yes, because we know that would surely be the interpretation if President Obama had been hooking up with porn actresses at golf tournaments and paying them off. I bet the next move is all these folks saying Trump should have been cheating because his wife had put on baby weight and what was he SUPPOSED to do??
15
Bad facts have led to bad case laws. Undoubtedly, the facts presented stink. The question is whether a California state trial judge would create bad case law that will be litigated all the way to the US Supreme Court. Hollywood could not have written a more bizarre story -- the Russians, a Porn Star and a former Playboy Playmate helped make a US President.
16
OK, a person's sex life has little to do with his/her other interests or abilities including running the country and it is, in a sense, none of our business. Nevertheless. a person's basic character (veracity, fidelity, respect, honesty, tolerance etc.) should have everything to do with whether someone is a good choice for leadership. Mr. Trump taught us dozens of times about his utter lack of decency and character during the campaign. Some paid attention and some did not. Some have now learned that he was a very poor choice. But what's up with the bible thumping base? I have not been under the impression that the Evangelical Christian Movement is especially well known for its tolerance of sordid behavior and dishonesty. I am not sure why but I thought that their ultra conservatism might specifically include admiration of people known for excellent character. One might expect that sordid stories about "golden showers" and the like would at least raise some eyebrows. Is there simply no "tipping point" for these folks? What, in anything, do they derive from an extra measure of tolerance? Prostitution comes in many flavors. Willl common decency ever be in vogue?
36
If the Trumpling really has nothing to hide (pardon the laughter), why not allow Ms. Clifford to have her say?
25
She got 130k for keeping silent pre-election. Not bad, especially if he would have lost. Now he's president though, and the odds are higher. I bet she's got a book deal lined up for more than 130k (500k? 1mil?), and needs to break the legally binding silence agreement first. A continual money/fame grab for doing nothing beyond a short term relationship at best.
As for Trump, the Democrats probably just want to reverse the tables and try and impeach him under-oath like Bill Clinton. They've been trying everything they can think of since they lost the election, and at 1 year in, they'll surely keep trying until the next election. Does anyone actually care about the Stormy Daniels whatever?? It's just legal technicalities to try and gain a smidge of power in office.
6
Trump seems to care. He's gone to great lengths to cover this up and Daniels is the one woman he hasn't dared to publicly criticize.
23
Well it looks like Mr. Greatest Businessman of All Time in His Own Mind did not sign his own paperwork, allowing somebody as motivated by cash as he is to toss his little non-disclosure deal aside and go for some big bucks.
As I'm sure he has told the army of people he has cheated: "Don't take it personally It's just a really good deal for me".
12
Why don't we hear about Karen McDougal, the Playboy model who was represented by the same attorney that Ms. Clifford initially had? I would imagine that any NDA likely contains the same invalid/unenforceable provisions and an argument can be made that Trump violated it when he called her a liar and denied any affair.
Trump pushed so hard for Obama to release his birth and school records, arguing for transparency. Turn about is fair play: I doubt we can handle Trump's dirty laundry being aired at once (now that Pruitt has done everything possible to relax environmental regulations), but it should all come out.
39
Now it seems much easier to understand this president's earlier focus on menstrual blood. Given the health risks that are normative among some of professional women he choses to spend his private time with he might be concerned he'd inadvertently get something like AIDS.
6
As with Will Rogers, I know only what I read in the papers. Being neither a devotee of Faux News nor Twitter-verser, I remain reliably late to the party.
What I see is not so much a focused effort to nail Trump's man parts to the wall so much as an attempt to get the attention of and re-focus the minds of the Evangelical christian (capital "E" and little "c" being appropriate: they being yuge on the former and ignorant of the latter). This is, of course, a fool's errand. For the Right, once forgiven, always forgiven. For proof of my last statement, just observe the efforts Ryan and McConnell are actually bringing to bear to change Trump's actions on tariffs, gun control, and his misbegotten dalliance with Kim.
5
Seems the evangelicals only seem to get upset and make harsh judgements when the person who is unfaithful to his wife is a Democrat.
When it's Trump- no harm and all forgiveness regardless of how deplorable and dishonest he is. He knows he gets away with anything and his base will accept it.
Funny how that goes.
34
Photo_Caption: "A suit filed this week by an adult film actress who claims to have had an affair with President Trump could lead to his having to testify in a deposition..."
I guess it's difficult to stain that, 'little blue dress'...as Republican moralizers repeatedly whined, 'bout, during the 'Clinton_Lewinsky' saga...when, (presumably), BOTH Trump and his 'Companion(s), NOT his wife 'O, the moment'...were naked, right?
Of course...I am assuming Trump's bodily_fluids_sharing mode(s) involve nudity, Vs...
Well...I've just eaten, and, despite a 22 yr. '1St Responder' career...the visualization of Trump's, 'doin' the nasty', is a bit much for my alimentaries to cope, with!
9
This is just as gross as Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. Infidelity is always tasteless and gross. No one looks good.
8
At least President Kennedy wasn't ignorant enough to pay for sex with campaign funds which is against the law.
18
The Stormy Daniels scandal is only important to the establishment press and Trump critics. This can't be emphasized enough. His supporters don't care. Even more incredible they're not even surprised. At this point Trump could sleep with a porn star on 5th Avenue and not lose one vote. Republicans who regarded Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky as the end of civilization as we know it are serenely untroubled. I would bet even money they all rushed to check Stormy out on Pornhub when the news broke. Her Google hits & DVD sales must have gone through the roof. Remember the controversy 40-some years ago, when then President Carter said, "I've looked on many women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times. ..."Quaint, isn't it? Truthfully it's hard to sympathize with a porn star who is trying to milk this to the absolute nth degree' with her "Making America Horny Again' tour. However one of Stormy's achievements is beyond dispute. She's made Melania a sympathetic figure. I understand why liberals are outraged though. Clinton and to a larger degree his wife paid a huge price for his indiscretions. Trump is going to get away with it. Everyone knows this. It doesn't matter if the Trump elevator descends below the sub-sub-basement level. His friends who are still along for the ride are laughing all the way. And if Trump decides to bag it then say hello to President Pence. I know that will be a great day for the left. Kurt Vonnegut could not have made this up.
9
Wonder if she made La Donald wear a condom like the many male porn participants in her films? Oh poor Donald - 130K, now being duped and made to wear a raincoat on top of it.
6
in summary; we have a "non-disclosure agreement" about disclosing something that never happened (?), signed with "Stormy's" stage name (?), signed by the President's attorney, enforced with "hush money" paid by the Presidents personal attorney, which the President didn't know about...............ok, I give up.
25
Trump is an adulterer. He has been one through three marriages. I don't feel sorry for Melania, she knew what she was getting into and the money certainly helped. I feel sorry for their son. He must know what is going on. I don't think I've seen this kid smile once in the few pictures or videos I've seen. And I don't think his father really cares. Its all for the Trump, everyone else can fend for themselves.
40
I don't want to hear the sordid details but I hope S.D. gets a lot more money for telling all.
22
This entire incident and proceeding is so rich with irony. To wit:
A man (Trump) who brags about every conquest (with women or otherwise) in his life is suddenly without words with respect to his interactions with a porn actress;
A woman (Ms. Clifford) who isn't (or who is prohibited from) backing up the prior claims that Trump is "the best sex I ever had".
All the makings of a Shakespearean tragedy. Unfortunately, it is just a tragedy for the nation that this man is the President.
18
Cannot wait for when the American turn to this clown and say the magic words:
“You’re fired”
29
So Trump is again literally stiffing another of his workers. This time however, he had to pay hush money to hide the truth. Trump is morally bankrupt and those who have supported him have obviously put ideology over country. So he has sex with numerous women when his wife has just delivered their child; he's lied more than 2000 times as documented in the media (except Fox Disinformation Network aka Trump Network). Is this who you want your children to grow up to become?
23
It still boggles the mind that some 4 out of 10 Americans still approve of Trump as president, but it shouldn't A quick look at Fox News reveals, wait for it, absolutely nothing about this story. Instead, the headlines blare that Joy Behar continues to insult Christians, and "Trump's meeting with North Korea's Kim will be historic..."
Stick with it NYT, we need the Real Press to reveal with is true, and one day the alternate-reality believers will have to face reality.
30
Stormy Daniels is NOT "fake news". Her lawsuit is very real, and 100% valid.
Now, does "our" President have the (...) courage to be honest here ? I doubt it.
How Melania is putting up with this is beyond me. I am amazed that she hasn't taken him to task, grilled him good, then packed, and headed out the door with her son.
Ms. Daniel's lawsuit will, I dearly hope, force Trump to testify in a deposition. What Trump's "longtime personal lawyer" forgot was: a Contract is not legally binding unless it is SIGNED by BOTH parties. Mr. Cohen apparently thought that the Trump "name", and a big bag of cash, would be enough to flatter and silence anyone. Well, boys ... the joke is on you.
I wish Ms. Daniels the best of luck in winning this Case.
19
Melania married a jerk for money. She got what she bargained for.
17
“Trump” and “trouble”. Two words that were destined to be together.
10
It will be poetic justice if Stephanie Clifford turns out to be the woman who brings this ignoble excuse of a ‘president’ to resign.
31
It is like our Government is being run by our very own branch of the Mafia.
Dealings with other countries: Nice little country you have there. Shame if something happened to it. Now about that loan...
10
This is NOT Bill Clinton lying about an extra-marital affair with a consenting adult woman and trying to keep it secret from his wife.......this is much much worse.
And yet Trump has the Republicans totally supporting his agenda.....and ignoring his sexual assaults, mysogyny, tax evasion, fruad, conspiring with the Russians to rig our election in 2016, money laundering, clear conflicts of interest, failing to uphold the oath of office and doing the job, and on and on we go.
Republicans are laughing at Democrats and how they fooled the Democrats and the people to believe they actually cared about laws, family values, or even being a Patriot to ths country. That was all just for Democrats......with Republicasn it is all about advancing their tax cut and killing domestic program agenda. As Trump said, he could get away with killing someone in Time's square and not worry about it.
If this is Making America Great again, then as a 5th generation American, how can I get ICE to deport me to Norway or some other country that cares about their domestic citizens and public safety. Some place where NRA blood money doesn't rule!
24
... notchina's
"how can I get ICE to deport me to Norway or some other country ? "
Who is preventing you, or anyone, from leaving the US?
4
since the christian right says this is "ok" as long as they get the policies they want it is clear to me that christianity and the "moral majority" is nothing but unbridle opportunism...i paint all of these people with a broad brush since none of them are doing anything to object to mr. trump. the charade is over. people who call themselves christians are just like any other stakeholder. they dishonor their god to please themselves. for years we were scolded by these "values" voters...now we know what they really value: racism, sexual abuse and exploitation, and deception.
20
He will defend the Constitution as much as he will be true to his vows ( plural on purpose, ask Ivana).
8
Lots if “ifs” in this article. Here’s another. If, and only if, the House turns blue, might trump be impeached.
3
If you read the NDA carefully, Stormy Daniels had to turn over any "hard copy" evidence to DD. My guess is that she has a photo or tape that would embarrass Trump. She had said in InTouch magazine in 2011 that she was familiar with "his junk." So she had gone public about the affair already.
In October 2016, there was the Access Hollywood tape and several women had come forward with complaints about Trump's groping hands. What was different about Stormy Daniels such that Michael Cohen was willing to pay her $130K to keep quiet just before November election?
13
What's wrong with everyone? Spousal abuse, illicit affairs, obstruction, hush money, Russian collusion and campaign finance violations are all okay with Trump supporters, rank & file GOP'ers and evangelicals as long as you're a Republican president. Outrage about these matters are reserved for Democrats. Ask the family research counsel and the "Moral Majority" and they'll explain about giving the president a mulligan, as long as he's a Republican.
25
I think the question of just how blackmail worthy is Trump is worth looking into.
199
I think the question of the Golden Showers incident in the Moscow hotel, is starting to sound more likely to be true and that there is a real reason that Trump never criticizes or says anything bad about Putin.
27
Let us not forget that when the surviving school kids from the latest mass murder involving a semi-automatic weapon traveled to Tallahassee to ask lawmakers to open a discussion about semi-automatic weapons -- a DISCUSSION, not a bill -- the lawmakers shut them down and issued a proclamation that it was PORN that was a public health problem, not the availability of child-dismembering weapons.
Yet here is their president having adulterous affairs with porn actresses. Where are those Tallahassee lawmakers today? I don't hear them condemning a man who has illicit sex with workers in the porn industry. Not only that, the man paid that porn star $120k to keep her mouth shut. Isn't that how blackmail happens?
Pray tell, what have the fine, Christian lawmakers of Tallahassee got to say about a president who fully supports the porn industry to the point of "donating" hundreds of thousands of dollars to its "artists" to keep their mouths shut about his extramarital activities?
23
Actually, I think he paid her $130k to keep her mouth open.
9
Several commenters have attacked coverage of the Trump/Stormy Daniels scandal as unimportant or blatant liberal partisanship. Wrong. The constellation of sordid events reported here might be more actionable proof of illegal election tampering and conspiracy by Trump and his lieutenants. Stay on this, NYT.
26
"Assuming she does not blink" is a strange choice of words. Surely Ms. Daniels will continue to make choices in this litigation rather than merely react to it. Surely Mr. Rutenberg and Mr. McIntire are aware that having had sex on camera and/or for money does not transform women into mute dolls, or deer trapped in the proverbial headlights.
16
It's the pattern of corruption, contempt and arrogant ignorance apparently present in all areas and endeavors of Trumps life that makes Stormy of interest. It is the filter thru which he makes decisions and a peek at the system he has built around him to validate and carry out the deception. Not a pattern of Lifetime Achievement I want leading my Democracy.
20
Stormy Daniels' spoke for many Americans when she described her reaction to Trump's wayward advances:
"Ugh, here we go."
34
Hey Donald remember when you brought the 4 woman that had accused Bill Clinton years ago to the debate with Hillary, well this is Karma in spades for you.
It looks like not only did you have an affair with a Porn actress, but tried to pay her hush money through your lawyer, hopefully we will see picture, emails, voice recordings and the piece-de-resistance, visual recordings.
Like I said Donald, it couldn't happened to a more deserving guy!!!
Not a nice guy, but deserving guy!
59
There is nothing illegal about having an extramarital affair with a porn star.
5
Of course not. No one is suggesting otherwise, including Ms. Clifford. Her lawsuit is based on the law of contract (and her claim that there isn't one), not criminal law.
11
That's true but there are rules about campaign finance etc.
19
"There is nothing illegal about having an extramarital affair with a porn star." Not at all, but it is illegal to break laws in the cover up, as Ken Starr can tell you about such things. Mr. Trump needs to be severely punished as an example to all future presidents. It's not that I hate Mr. Trump, it is that I love our leaders to set good examples for US.
140
Maybe this is a back-up plan ~ If Stormy can find someone to pay the $1M liquidated damages (that is, if she loses her lawsuit and the contract is held to be valid), then she can obviously tell her story. The goal would be to receive >$1M to pocket, and since the $1M damage penalty is PER breach of the contract, she would need to economize and tell it once for the greatest payout. I am assuming that her "patriotism" goes only so far as her desire for more money than $130K . . . right?
1
If you need someone to validate your guesswork why bother to share it? Why not try to, say, learn whether "patriotism" is a relevant legal issue here, rather than assume it is while simultaneously asking strangers on the internet whether that's correct?
2
"Mr. Trump has denied the affair."
Which raises the simplest question, "If not 'hush money', why was the woman paid $130,000?".
33
Seems to me, any way you slice it or dice it the payment was clearly for the benefit of Trump's campaign - there is no other way to process the timing of the payment. Trump had almost a decade to deal with this, yet it wasn't important until one month before the election? As such, it clearly should have been reported as a campaign contribution of one form or another. Seems to me, campaign finance laws have been violated here..
31
Jan Baran (former general counsel to the Republican National Committee) seems to be saying the payment might have been a personal matter unrelated to the campaign, as to keep the information from his wife. But two facts make that implausible. The first is the timeline. The alleged affair occurred years ago, but the hush order was only negotiated as his campaign began. The second is that there would be no reason for him to try to hide his identity, by using a pseudonym and paying via a lawyer's shell corporation, if this were merely a personal matter.
It sure sounds like an illicit campaign contribution to me.
27
You have to laugh at the hubris of the phony names he used - David Dennison (Using "Double D" as the initials is so Trump-like and then Peggy Peterson or "PP" for her name. If Putin doesn't have the tape, she does). Can't wait...
6
Its not what the personal habits of individuals we need to concerned about. Its the leadership and direction our country needs to thrive and prosper. From Kennedy to today, It is about, Country, representation, and will, that`s important. Let us focus on making America what the founding father`s intended, and nor the personal issues of our leaders..
13
Unfortunately, Donald Trump is the one who likes to have all, and I mean ALL of the focus on him alone, at all times.
Let's first say Donald Trump is in no way the same class as a public servant or President as JFK, or anyone before him or since him, Trump is an incompetent narcissist that has brought this all on himself, because he is the one who loves to discredit, insult, denigrate and bully everyone in most base, personal and vulgar terms, so this is called Karma.
This incompetent Slob in the Whitehouse who is a known sexual predator and abuser by at least 19 credible woman, deserves this kind of attention.
If the "leader" is an individual of moral turpitude, that is a relevant line of inquiry. The baseline--the minimum--requirement for someone in such a position, someone whom children look to, is someone of good character. On this front, Mr. Trump is a failure.
3
I strongly believe that our nation should focus on representation and the significant actions that would better our country, but the point of this article was to not to focus on our president's personal issues, but rather the fact that they are getting so much attention in the first place. A couple of weeks ago, he was being pressed for stricter gun control, every few days he makes a powerful man mad on Twitter, and now- he has an encounter with a porn star? I wish we could all focus on important issues just as you mentioned. Personally, I believe articles like this draw too much attention to unimportant "issues" and take away from meaningful topics that could improve our country.
1
Wonder what will the jury determine about Stormy's phone call to her friend while Trump allegedly chasing her around the hotel room in his tidy whities!
Could Trump Clinton's escapades?
8
Classiest. President. Ever.
27
You mean, classiest in the history of the universe, and everybody knows it, believe me!
6
"Ms. Clifford has claimed that she met Mr. Trump at a celebrity golf tournament in 2006 and began a relationship that included sex and promises from Mr. Trump to get her on his NBC show “The Apprentice” and to give her a condominium."
In short: She's a prostitute -- offered sex for payment -- and he's a john who welshed on the deal.
No honor on either side. And no surprises, either.
No other explanation regarding why she would have an "affair" -- engage in sex -- with this man passes scrutiny.
17
10 years for a payment? Sounds about right for Trump paying his bills.
7
You are making the assumption that prostitution is not an honorable occupation.
3
JayR: I stand corrected. But that also implies purchasing the services of a prostitute is an honorable transaction. Hmm . . . . That's quite a stretch.
3
As much as I enjoy this side show, it really doesn't matter. Republican leadership in Congress will never do anything to remove or censure Trump. As long as they can pass tax cuts for billionaires and blow up the deficit... they will hold on to Trump.
But I take heart in the fact that I can remind voters, especially those who say they care about values, to remember those values come Election Day. I will say to people, "Do you really want to vote for a pathological liar who sleeps with porn stars as a sport?"
45
Does anyone who doesn't watch Fox News regularity or is affiliated with the Evangelical Christian movement, believe anything Trump says? Melania, isn't it time to divorce this philandering husband of yours?
21
In some ways, the uncertainty and speculation about just what happened is probably worse than the truth for Trump. People (myself included) can read all sorts of stuff from limited information. Pretty soon, that story becomes the speculation, and who wins at arbitration loses its significance.
Just the notion, the very likely possibility (knowing Trump - remember Access Hollywood) that Trump was in an intimate relationship with a porn star just months after his son was born......
Well that’s all that needs to be said. Except it isn’t. Trump is the most famous (or infamous) public or private person in the world. He asked for it and he has to pay the price for that celebrity.
I hope he’s at least telling Melania the truth, painful as that must be for her. She should dump him and move on with her life. This publicity isn’t good for her or her son. They deserve better.
14
Melania's a gold digger who echoed Trump's lies. She deserves nothing.
19
The only one in this travesty of a family who deserves any consideration is Barron — the absolute personification of “poor little rich kid”.
10
Aren't we proud of our mentally, morally, intellectually deficient President?
To think we've stooped this low is beyond belief, after all we've been, after our history and leadership in the world. Now this !!! Come on Republicans, Evangelicans, Trumpers, Alt-Righters, own up that you elected and support an
unfit president and impeach him. Do the decent thing and stand up for the values you all spout. Shame on all of you....
43
We came so far since Kennedy and Clinton didn't we. And now this? Amazing. Men in positions of power paying women for sex. Who would have thought this was happening? Why cant they find someone that can keep their secrets if they cant keep their pants up. What a shame. It started with taking prayer of the classroom, then not saying the pledge of allegiance. Now look at us...So much better now that our kids dont believe in God and Country.
Mark - Are you really naïve enough to think that politicians didn't misbehave prior to taking prayer out of the classroom? How on earth did you miss the things Thomas Jefferson got up to?
Privileged males will always act like jerks and many of them will spout mealy mouthed nonsense about God and forgiveness as a way to try and weasel out of their misdeeds.
6
Evangelicals (those who want prayer in classrooms) support Donald Trump and gave him a pass on frolicking with the porn star. They have no integrity or morals just like Trump.
6
I guess the Evangelicals have decided that adultery and mass murder are in the same class as Hope’s “little white lies.” Forgive, forget and pass the plate around.
30
So we go from the sublime to the ridiculous. Trump is a full-service operation providing amusement for every taste. His ratings are tops.
11
in a democracy, a consenting adult’s sex life is her or his own legal right and personal business. The United States is not a theocracy; at least not yet; who the man now in the White House chose to have sex with is entirely his own business, and that of his spouse.
But the company Mr. Trump keeps should give American voters pause next time we get ready to elect the president of our republc.
6
If it was consensual,what's the deal with an NDA? Something fishy here, yugely FISHY!
9
But what about all the Cristian children at all the Sunday schools who learn of this depravity? What kind of example is it setting for their innocent hearts? Can you stop the selfishness and think about the children for once?
Trump is thick skinned and tough and I have no doubt he can weather the Stormy storm. Many gold diggers and fame seekers are going to take advantage of president Trump. He was not elected for his impeccable past but for what good he could do for America and the world without being a sexual predator or domestic abuser in the white house. If Ms Daniels wants to spill the beans to cause trouble and throw thrash at Trump, I don't see what Trump can do prevent it but ignore it and let the tabloid press have a field day. What Trump did as a private citizen if it was not anything illegal, I doubt whether any of his supporters would care or hold him in any lower esteem than his critics do.
1
Uhhh...using campaign money as hush money, *is* illegal
11
"I doubt whether any of his supporters would care or hold him in any lower esteem than his critics do"
Back up and remember that Trump's religious hard line base wants to legislate behavior for others and imagines themselves morally superior. Ponder that one.
Actually Daniels is not the slime ball here- she is a porn actress who was brought with others to the golf tournament. Trump pursued her. He was married. Then he kept at it for over a year. So let's keep the narrative straight. He then paid her to keep quiet. She has no obligation to not make $$$ off this goofball-hustler.
8
You're nothing but a hypocrite. I'm willing to bet you held President Obama to a different standard. You remember President Obama, don't you? The one I'm sure you thought was born in Kenya, the one who has been married only once, the one who nurtured and adored his two girls, the one who tried to give people health insurance, and a decent wage. President Obama, a brilliant man who never had one scandal in 8 years but who you all denigrated for 8 years with racism and hatred. Yet you have no problem with an ignorant, know-nothing sexual predator, a liar and cheater, someone who doesn't pay his vendors, who sleeps with porn stars and walks in on underage girls at his beauty pageants. I can take one guess why you excuse his behavior.
16
Why does the hush agreement refer to paternity?
13
It's probably the standard payoff document Trump's lawyer has been shoving in front of Trump's lady friends for years. A "just in case" clause.
Which means there are other paid off women out there...
7
Stormy for President. Why not ????? She has already outsmarted Trump.
Also, what scandals could she possibly have to hide? It's all been laid bare.
6
do we really care about this? we've got bigger problems. focus people.
2
We care about credibility and vulnerability to blackmail. We care about a pattern of facts and brazen denials of facts. We care because it is possible Putin knows a great deal more than we do about the man who won the electoral college and lost by three million popular votes. We care becuase there seems to be so many who do not.
20
It's not about the sex. It's about the law and order president committing crimes and the possibility that his problems can solve our problem.
2
I never thought I'd be appauding the likes of Stormy Daniel in a lawsuit. Talk about strange bedfellows!
6
"strange bedfellows"
Literally.
3
I feel bad for Melania Trump. Yes it was her decision to marry this low-life, but she had a reasonable expectation of fidelity. Now it’s all over the news, and the speculation about what did and did not happen between Trump and Daniels is probably worse than just knowing the truth.
But no one would equate Trump with truthfulness, so we may never know. No wonder Melania always looks like she would rather be anywhere else than with her dead beat, cheating husband.
19
Trump has never been faithful to anyone. Why would she expect him to be faithful to her?
7
You are free to sympathize with Melania Trump. It probably makes you a better person than I am because I have not one iota of sympathy for a woman who went on national television and fully pushed what she knew to be a lie about Barak Obama's birth certificate. And she did it in her lovely designer clothing with a huge smile on her face.
Melania, meet karma. Karma --say hello to Melania.
19
Why would she have an expectation of fidelity? The whole world knew he cheated on his former wives. It was all over the tabloids. Presumably he was still married when she first had sex with him herself. Why would anyone feel sorry for her? She made a deal and got exactly what she bargained for. It's like feeling sorry for people who were "conned" into voting for Trump. They too made the choice with their eyes wide open.
3
If he only wanted to keep a secret from his wife, why didn't he do this in 2006?
24
Think... is there any reputable multi billion dollar enterprise that would put up with a chief executive that cannot retain any senior staff, is a convicted liar and has publicly berated women, minorities and the disabled?
The board of directors would fire that chief executive quickly.
In the US Democratic system the voters represent the board of directors.
It is time to vote out every elected official that does not publicly denounce DJT early and often for the sake of this enterprise, the USA.
74
Your screen name is hilarious!
10
Trump could never get a security clearance from anyone other than the electoral college!
6
Trump is not going to lose the presidency over this. Clinton lied under oath and survived. As for the embarrassment, Trump seems immune.
8
There's more to this than just an affair. Trump may have used campaign money to silence Ms. Daniels. And then there's the cover-up and the lies, which we should never accept from our elected officials.
7
Clinton was impeached for lying under oath.
4
Obstruction. Lying to Federal prosecutors money laundering
That’s just the amuse bouche
Appetizers are next
The main course should be delectable
Just desserts....
9
How much evidence do Evangelicals need before they abandon Trump? Access Hollywood video, 3 marriages, Stormy Daniels, Karen McDougal, Alicia Machado (remember her from the campaign)...
23
When one sells their soul,like many Evangelicals have, they are not to be believed in any event.
Their word like their values are valuable as a DJT promise.
3
Evangelicals see Trump as a fellow sinner. White Christian evangelism provides unlimited rationalization for evildoing. What matters is your race.
6
Nailed it!
Trump is right now in a no-win situation. He either tells all and allows her to do so as well in a “he said/she said” or it happens in court.
He simply can’t wriggle out of this. It’s one time he has lost control. All the outcomes are bad. And some are worse.
He’s in so many jams right now. All self-induced.
25
He’s a stable genius remember?
1
It's not what happened under the covers. It's the cover-up.
20
The dossier details are looking more and more like just another day in Trumpworld.
It will be shown in due time that the Russians own him as a direct result of this and all his other Stable Genius Business Failures.
18
did melania give him a mulligan also?
as a diversion
now you know why trump is going to north korea
maybe they plan on killing him
oops then we have pence
did stormy report the $130 grand on her tax return?
2
Did Trump?
Did Cohen?
3
Nixon went to China
Then he resigned
So too here.
That’s IF any diplomacy occurs
Not likely with these 2 clowns
1
My god, stop reporting on this already or at least minimize it. So many more important things going on other than this creep cheating on his wife, which by the way must be humiliating for Melania but nothing new to her.
4
Yeah, just like the press quit reporting on the affair between Lewinsky and Clinton...wait, that didn't happen and the Republicans considered that an impeachable offense.
7
We know what happened with Stormy. We just want to hear the sordid details at this point and confirmation on how big or how small. What we really want to know though, is how many more deals like this are out there.
14
Considering what happened to Bill Clinton, this seems like karma for the Republican party.
The outrageous precedents that the GOP has set and continues to do so by letting this president get away with just about everything will surely come back to haunt them.
Unfortunately, these precedents are also weakening our democracy.
28
The current president (and I use that term loosely) is weakening our democracy as well
4
Trump did not sign the contract. A lawyer's signature does not bind his client, and the empty signature line alone threatens the validity. (Trump was using some alliterative nom de non-plume, like "David Dixon," to escape public humiliation. Oops.)
Trump must have gotten the belt when he was a kid for even the tiniest infraction. Nothing else explains his refusal to 'fess up even when there's a video, or in a case where his lawyer hands out $130,000 payments on his behalf.
America is a forgiving nation. If he would come clean on some of this stuff most people, once they gathered their wits from the shock, would move on, except for his deeply disturbed "base," who would still deny anything to which he admitted.
Go, Ms. Daniels.
16
Stormy went too cheap. With the timing of the payoff she could have gotten much much more than $130,000.
8
What bothers me, is even if he has to testify and admits to a relationship with SD as well as all kinds of other escapades, it doesn't seem like republicans would care in the current climate. I even wonder what kind of traction would be achieved from revelations of campaign spending violations.
10
'could' 'possibly' 'potential'. When it happens, write about this. This is a none story
4
Until the facts are proven , it’s all “could”, “possibly “ and “potential”. Under your definition, every civil complaint or criminal indictment is a non-story. So Watergate and Whitewater and the Iran/Contra stories weren't worth printing.
So, this is the guy the Evangelicals support? A racist. A liar. A hypocrite. An adulterer.
What's not to like?
85
Do not forget to add that he builds casinos in the City of Sin.
And he builds casinos in the City of Sin. :)
2
What a classy guy Mr Trump is.
>stifles sniggers<
19
A young & angry Bob Dylan once sang:
"money doesn't talk - it swears”.
In fact, the song's lyrics (It’s Alright, Ma - I’m Only Bleeding) are more appropriate than ever...
2
Perhaps the public shouldn’t underestimate this porn star. She may give Trump more sleepless nights than Robert Mueller. He, who has treated women like game animals in the past, will now have a bitter aftertaste of his sexual romps.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders may have infuriated Trump. She said that he denied the allegations and that, in any event, “this case has already been won in arbitration," emphasising it was "won in the president’s favor.” She has confirmed that Trump is now a party to arbitration proceedings. Obviously, there would have been no nondisclosure agreement unless there was something Trump wanted to hide.
67
Are you kidding? Stormy Daniels is a prostitute/porn star who is an annoyance. Mueller will put Trump into prison. And, isn't treason punishable by death? Being embarrassed by an "adult film actress" won't take away your freedom unless you perjure yourself and get busted.
2
How long before Sarah Huckabee Sanders resigns. I imagine her father is advising her to get out before she sullies her reputation any further.
2
Inkblot - Sanders' father is as slimy and crooked as it gets. As long as the money is rolling in neither father or daughter will care.
3
Question for more knowledgeable people: If the Dems win the House, could they compel her to testify in an investigation and would that testimony before Congress be immune from civil law constraints?
30
To answer your question, the agreement states in part:
4.4.1 Disclosures Permitted By PP. Notwithstanding the foregoing, PP shall only be permitted to disclose Confidential Information to another person or entity only if compelled to do so by valid legal process, including without limitation a subpoena duces tecum . . . .
So theoretically, yes.
8
Interesting. Thanks.
1
now that's funny!
3
Why fight it, when pretty much everyone knows about the affair? It's hardly a secret anymore, is it?
15
There is that little phrase in the contract that refers to "paternity information," which won't go down so well with the base, whether or not he actually fathered a child with her.
11
Except for Teflon Trump - he doesn't want anyone talking about anything Trump. ALL of his his employees have had to sign non disclosure agreements as a requirement for being employed by him - under pain of being sued if you ever did talk. How many ex employees have you heard say ANYTHING bad about Donald? NONE.
2
Because there are emails and photos that could be disclosed! You've heard the expression, "a picture is worth a thousand words"? Oh, boy would they.
8
Raise your hand if you think Ms. Clifford is not the only woman with whom Trump had a relationship and not the only woman whose silence was purchased with similar documentation.
134
We already know there are over ten women with whom he's paid for their silence. I am sure they are waiting to see how this turns out and seek means of breaking their NDA's. Ms. Clifford will make millions for her story and they could possibly too.
4
In response to Jan Baran's proposed defense that the purpose was merely to keep this secret from his wife, then why did Trump wait 9 years after the affair was over to make the payment, on the eve of the election? The John Edward's defense won't work here, as it is chronologically implausible.
165
Kris, that was exactly what I was thinking. Jan's argument is grasping at straws to defend a man who has openly bragged about his sexual prowess. When will the right stop being hypocrites?
5
Lol, the Republicans should just change their party name over to "The Grand Ol' Hypocrites" and lets be done with it already.
87
The name says it all!
7
Republicans: it's only bad when a Clinton does it.
110
If that was in the Arkansas statehouse or governor's mansion, well, yes, because of abuse of power and credibility as a public servant. As I recall, there were some appalling allegations made on how Clinton tried to handle the situation after the fact.
Who knows what occurred with Clinton as a private citizen? I don't, and I don't care.
2
For someone who brags about his prowess as a counterpuncher, Trump has yet to tweet or publicly deny Stormy's allegations. Denials have been through his surrogates and not by himself. She must possess something uber, uber damaging about DJT, in much the same way as Putin does!
95
An NYT reader pointed out that Putin and Stormy are the only people Trump refuses to criticize.
6
Text messages and images
And Stormy's just ONE of 100 who Trump Lawyers have tried to silence.
"Look, Kasowitz has known [Trump] for twenty-five years. Kasowitz has gotten him out of all kinds of jams," Bannon reportedly said. "Kasowitz on the campaign - what did we have, a hundred women? Kasowitz took care of all of them."
56
Was laundered money used for these transactions?
5
Cheating on his wife with a sex industry worker while that wife is at home with their newborn baby.
Can you imaging the conservative Republican reaction if this disgusting story were about President Obama? The impeachment proceedings would already be under way.
Every day this lowlife Trump, with the strong support of his fellow conservative Republican hypocrites, debases the presidency, the government and our society. He and they are like a national cancer.
And to make this Republican/conservative Trump horror show all the more nauseating we have the spectacle of Franklin Graham, Falwell Jr. and the rest of the conservative evangelical morality frauds loudly making excuses for and supporting this unrepentant moral degenerate.
God save America from all of them.
384
Believe me, I feel your pain.
1
Gary Hart....and John Edwards....and the myriad others in public office - same arrogance and basic ego-blown stupidity of the abomination in the befouled Oval Office....big difference is his corruption, lies, bullying and thin skin come first - way before caring about our country - the only way to make America great again is to get rid of him and his swamp...anyone who thinks they were making a statement by not voting in 2016, he is your statement - VOTE this year..
72
Can I just point out the absurdity of this entire situation? The president, who probably did have an affair with a porn star, is now being sued by that same porn star. His lawyer probably did pay her to be silent with his own money, and in documented Trumpian fashion, wasn't paid back.
This is crazy.
41
barb : He couldn't even do this right.
4
The lawsuit is not solely about a limited contract law question even at this early stage. The agreement apparently includes two parts, an anti disparagement section and a copyright section. As to copyright, about which I have written and taught for over three decades, there is no copyright in a story that has not yet been written. Even if there were, copyright does not cover factual matters. Facts are not copyrightable. This doesn't seem to be the best lawyering in the world but even very good lawyers often get copyright wrong.
26
There is speculation that the North Korea meeting is an effort to distract from the Stormy Daniels mess. I feel this administration has an ulterior motive for everything it does and that everything it does is for the personal enrichment of trump. He seems more and more within the orbit of putin and the other world dictators, while superficial economic vitality and putting out fires he enflamed (e.g. North Korea) increase his popularity with segments of the public.
48
If the contract is ruled valid, millions of us will contribute to pay her penalty so she can tell her story.
97
She stands to gain a lot more financially by telling her story even after paying the penalty. She’ll be just fine financially.
3
Jeb was right about one thing- a chaos president!
Given the number of departures from this administration and the level of incompetence shown in crafting and passing legislation this can only be seen as a chaotic WH.
In the end, it will be Mueller who terminates DJT’s term early!
If the case brought by Stormy Daniels does reveal infidelity it would be nice to see Melania file for divorce from her sitting president/ “husband “.
46
I'm sure Trump has numerous contracts with Melania restricting what she can do or say.
3
I’m guessing Melanie signed a pre-nup that would leave her nothing if she left, and that probably contains a similar gag provision.
1
This Stormy star is bound to win fame and fortune regardless what the outcome will be, while the President is eager to accept a meeting with the N.Koreans as long as he is able to distract the public from the many allegations against him.
32
This woman’s efforts are blackmail, pure and simple. That she and Trump were co-operators in despicable behavior is besides the point. Her efforts now should be viewed as illegal blackmail.
The Press is facilitating and encouraging illegal behavior, blackmail, because of its bias against the easy-to-despise Trump.
6
Well, it may be blackmail but it is apparently not illegal.
11
No blackmail she didn’t ask for money she just wants to tell her story just like Monica lewinsky did. He can always tell his story
9
'Blackmail': demanding money from a person in return for not revealing compromising or injurious information about that person.
Daniels is neither demanding (more) money from Trump, nor "not revealing...injurious information"—to the contrary, she's revealed info & apparently seeks to reveal more.
It may be sordid, but it's not blackmail.
4
Anybody or a lawyer can tell me....If the hush agreement does not explicitly name Donald Trump, but it names an avatar or a pseudonym, how can she then be bound afterwards to never speak about Donald Trump??? In other words, what links her to DT?
162
good question
6
i could be mistaken but I thought there was a separate document that identifies everyone.
4
If the parties agree that’s the name one party will be known by, it’s valid. Her real name isn’t on the document either.
2
Trump is using every shady move he possibly can to advance himself economically with no regard for environmental or common decency. I see no reason why Stormy shouldn’t use every last legal trick in the book to expose Trump for who he really is. Go girl.
80
Could it be that the Christian Evangelicals are supporting a President that allegedly had a "paternity issue" outside his marriage? If there is an abortion in this story, Liberty University, the mega churches and the hustling pastors might just implode.
65
The evangelicals love sinners. Sinners can repent; sinners can be saved; decent people are just decent, boring.
1
My guess is that he has paid for many abortions. And somehow, were those to come to light, Christian Evangelicals would praise what they claim most to deplore .
8
No, I suspect they will still support him. They have supported him through his divorces, his other infidelities, his lies, his fake Christianity. No reason to stop now.
2
Gentlemen, affairs of state must take precedent over... affairs of state.
8
Is it an agreement if he didn't sign it?
18
Actions pursuant to the terms of the contract can signify agreement and both have seemingly complied (although Daniels claims otherwise) to the terms.
Wonder what Mike Pence and his wife thinks about all this?
118
John I wonder too. I feel that I never hear not one word from Pence....
15
Dear Mr. McLaughlin,
YES!!!!!!!! I had forgotten all about Mike and "Mother" Pence. Mike is too sanctimonious -- and hostile to women being allowed to have careers (two birds with one stone there) -- to eat a meal with a female colleague without "Mother" in attendance. And yet he stands behind Trump -- a man so jaw-dropping in his debauchery that he requires both a porn star and a Playboy play mate to cheat on his third wife after she gave birth to their son.
Please, please someone make Mike Pence explain why Trump's porn star problem doesn't matter to him.
12
Remember the bible which the Evangelicals believe is the word of god, acknowledge that 'the soul is willing but the flesh is weak' so the POTUS gets a pass here and on the many other discretion's over the years.
2
This is an unique opportunity for those conservatives, family oriented, pro-life, biblical supporters of trump to show their real values...oh, wait, we already know what their real values are.
178
Who was the Notary? Where is he/she? Where is his/her book of records that
most states require which would show the identification presented for signatures? Does New York State allow for arbitration ( notification to Ms. Danial ) panels to be conducted without one of the parties being informed?
If in fact Mr. Cohen once said he would take a bullet for Mr. Trump then perhaps it is he to whom Mr. Charles Dickens refers, "Tis a far,far better thing I do than I have ever done, Tis a far, far better place I go, than I have ever been." Then they cut off his head.
10
The problem with a president who is desperately trying to keep secrets is that he becomes subject to blackmail.
There has been a lot of speculation about what kind of compromising information the Russians have on Trump, so I hope Mueller will investigate this Stormy Daniels affair as well as any other affairs that may have subjected Trump to Russian blackmail.
Speaking of full disclosure, where are Trump's tax returns? What is he hiding there?
89
It's crossed somany of our minds that Trump's surpise announcement of meeting to "talk" with Kim Jong-Un before May is just another distraction from the Stormy Daniels lawsuit...stay tuned!
237
If it is a folly, let it play out as ridiculously as the election nobody thought he could win. I mean, if this leads to peace between our countries, who cares how or who does it, just as long as they do it.
This is exactly what this is - a distraction from Russia and his affair(s).
1
Not to mention gun control...
1
Cohen wasn't reimbursed because--according to media reports--forty five refused to pay him. Since he appears to have stiffed numerous people, Cohen shouldn't have been surprised.
150
I wonder if Robert Mueller is asking himself, 'What would Ken Starr do?"
22
I'm both disappointed and annoyed by the constant coverage of Stormy Daniels. On the one hand, as a lawyer, my impression is that she went to binding arbitration, and was unsuccessful in her claims. Separately, I see an adult porn star looking to capitalize on the most notoriety she has ever experienced in her career. She has a very clear incentive to keep this story alive, and pursue any type of litigation, whether frivolous or not. Being from a city well known for its adult night clubs, I have passed by billboards headlining the new celebrity (and yes, I have heard from male friends who went to her show). Yet, no reporter has inquired, to my knowledge, or her motive, incentive or intent. Has anyone even asked her how her career was before the story broke, for which she acted very coy in denying, but then not denying, and how her career has done since the coverage began? Hmmm. I have no opinion on whether Ms. Daniels' claims are true or not; and quite frankly I don't care. But I do care about truth, and asking the tough questions so we can all do a better job in weighing the facts and reaching our own conclusion rather than having reporters tell us what we should think.
60
Looks like your more concerned about truth than our President who continually and completely denies his liaison with Ms Daniels.
11
"Has anyone even asked her how her career was before the story broke"
Yes I googled her and read up on her.
I don't think the media is telling people what to think. I think people voted *against their own values* for a pathological liar.
31
So this story should focus the woman?
11
I hope Stormy Daniels wins so big she gets custody of "The Apprentice". And Ivanka.
69
AHA that's a good one....
3
AND the White House.
1
One must read the nondisclosure agreement. Paragraph 3.2 grants Trump the copyrights to anything referenced in Paragraph 3.3 which refers to film and recordings on CD of DVD.
Paragraph 5.1.1 provides that if Daniels makes money on the film, she would lose not only all the profits, but would pay a penalty as well.
Was Trump concerned she was going to sell a sex tape of him?
69
he might have been, what he needs to worry about right now is if the California court is going to uphold the reality that the agreement went unsigned and is therefore null and void.
It should also be noted the Trump's lawyer is the one who breached the confidentiality agreement by even acknowledging that it existed. So even if the judge says (and this would be strange and unconstitutional) that a contract with only one party signature is still binding on that person, the judge must get past the reality that once the other side broke the agreement (by speaking about it) the other party is released from restrictions.
Daniels is taking this course of action because of the arrogant missteps of Trump and his attorney. I can't wait to see if the judge smacks those two fools around in his ruling.
24
So there could be a Stormy sex tape in addition to the PP tape with multiple prostitutes? Do you think Donald Trump/David Dennison may have an affection for prostitutes?
5
This sounds a bit like The Dossier, doesn't it! (Unfortunately, sex scandals have the effect of burnishing the Alpha-Male image of the Bad Boys ....)
1
What is the official statement from the evangelical community of Franklin Graham?? or the women of fundamentalist faith?
189
The Republicans were all but ready to impeach President Obama for wearing a tan suit. But President Trump? Not a peep from the Republicans.
225
What a great question for a law school contracts exam!
25
gee here is that supposed question.
Is a contract valid if only one party signs it?.....anyone who says yes is ill equipped to be an attorney.
8
Is this the one that brings Trump to the depo table under oath? Don't hold your breath now that Trump has written a new chapter starring him and the North Korean guy. Trump can ride that for months and even Mueller probably won't bring the hammer down until the North Korea "talks" are over. Who would want to weaken our president in front of that guy? Trump is brilliant and I say that as I watch a video of me catching the Philly Special.
6
There's an old Chinese saying about being higher up on the ladder.
That the upside of the person on the ladder's dress is more visible and therefore one's behind is easily exposed.
13
Even if she prevails Trump will deny it and republicans will cover his tracks once again. Perhaps campaign finance problems would also be uncovered but again it is republicans who were cheating so that's OK.
18
It could get tricky for Trump is he tries to deny it under oath.
9
Only Trump could simultaneously give us the one-two punch of recreating the worst scandals of modern presidencies: Nixon (obstruction) and Clinton (lying about an affair under oath).
36
You're leaving out the enormously high bar he is creating with his appointees and his executive orders. This guy is way out ahead in horribleness. - for the ages
3
If her lawyer has uncovered a legal way to sidestep Trump's non-disclosure coverups, Katy bar the door. This will be so much fun!
37
well Katy better get ready.
How do you suppose that the Trump team will get past the fact the agreement was not signed by Trump? a contract without both signatures is void and that means the confidentiality clauses are also void. Add to that Trumps lawyer is the one who breached confidentiality.
To use your turn of phrase, Katy is going to be very busy.
13
The Republicans will now say, this happened way before he was the President unlike Clinton. Well fair enough but is this is the only controversy he has going on right now? The media should stay focus on bigger issues and not waste their airtime with this issue which is not going to take the Trump Presidency down, will not even make a slightest dent on his name. People are used to his philandering. Media, please stay focused on his meeting with North Korea, the conflict of interests with Kushner, the trade war, DACA and other issues. If media gets the public hooked on this cheap thrill, it is going to miss out on major issues plaguing our nation.
16
Why isn't this extortion? I am honestly confused. Cannot believe any man would get involved with this awful Stormy for any reason.
4
You think she's the one that's awful? Really?
26
I don't know if you are actually ignorant of the facts or are just acting as if you are.
This is not extortion because Trumps attorney approached her with an offer of money to keep quiet just as the elections were about to happen. She was just shopping around her previously told story that had been twice published and included her and her husband passing lie detector tests on the information she told the reporters.
Based on what the presented, but unsigned by Trump, agreement states, there appear to be other things like pictures or videos that proves what she says.
So no, this is not extortion it is Trump trying to buy his way out of his past being revealed and then being so arrogant that he does not sign the agreement.
10
You should have specified "intelligent man", which would also answer your question.
2
“The best people.” Indeed.
16
Trump has always used his battalion of lawyers to protect him and clean up his messes, starting with Roy Cohn. Without them Trump is a big bowl of quivering jello and they may not be able to save him from this one.
Coming soon: "White House 2018 - The Wrath Of Melania"
34
No wonder he took the first offer (North Korea) to get out of town for awhile.
42
It is no surprise that DT is a philander. Wife no 1 and wife no 2 will tell you that. We know that DT is amoral, but the truth is his activity with this porn star was consensual. DT to be sure is in trouble with wife no 3, but his activity with Ms Clifford was not a crime. The claim that the "hush" agreement is not binding because DT did not sign it, is ludicrous. She took the money. She was bound by the agreement. The public suit violates the agreement and an arbitration result. The attorney who filed it knew he was wrong to do so and at the very least is subject to an ethics complaint and possibility personal liability, but who would pursue him? It is just more bad publicity for DT. This is about publicity for a porn star and her attorney. They gain from the exposure, so to speak.
6
He asked for it!
9
No, it's not "ludicrous": that's a serious legal issue. Daniels in all probability wins that dispute.
11
you are materially incorrect. If both parties do not sign the contract it is null and void.
but even if you want to continue to argue that, what you cannot spin is that Trumps lawyer is the one who breached the unsigned agreement. Once that barn door was opened, Daniels is free to seek relief and respond. She has been circumspect and in fact until the filing of the court case based on attempted coercion by Trump et al, she has not said a word in public.
Filing that case has forever placed this in the public record and it is now additional fodder that the Trump apologists have to swallow as they and their religious friends swallow another proven point of bad behavior.
6
No wonder we never see Melania smile.
47
Very true, and I feel sorry for her. She didn’t do anything to deserve this. She may have misjudged Trump when she married him, but that doesn’t excuse his behavior.
I’m surprised she hasn’t sought a divorce. Having to be alone with Trump is just plain icky to consider. And they’ve probably removed all the cast iron pans from the WH kitchen......
7
Melania is a willing participate in this crime family.
3
What a disgraceful person you Republicans voted for and still support. Like minded people like each other, but don’t preach your version of “family values” — they are repugnant.
83
I want our next president to be someone who is not involved with porn stars. Just saying.
85
I want our next president to be one who is actually a patriotic American who has a deep understanding of the issues s/he speaks about and does not engage in twitter battles with random people
7
Like the last one? The Gentleman? The Scholar? The great Father?
1
Our NEXT pesident? You're so very optomistic my friend.
1
Something the article and many others have glossed over - the arbitration "injunction" is likely without legal basis. From what has been released, it was EC that went to the arbitrator, not DD. But per the NDA, only PP and DD have rights or ongoing responsibilities, or arbitration standing. EC is just the source for the money, nothing else under the NDA. And by the injunctive relief section, only DD can seek the no notice injunction from the arbitrator. It's unbelievable to me that a professional arbitrator even let this nonsense off the ground, without having been utterly misled by Cohen. Also, the NDA is in many ways self contradictory, like with the arbitration stuff. First it says DD can seek injunctive relief from the arbitrator without notice to PP, but the dispute resolution section necessarily requires PP participate in selection of the arbitrator.
Further, this looks like a somewhat strategic move on the part of Ms. Daniels and her attorney. Think about it, the whole point of not having Trump sign was to allow him to avoid being linked to it. To demonstrate the NDA was signed, he'd have to produce a signed copy. And that necessarily links him to possible (and probable) campaign finance violations. If no signed copy is produced, then there was no contract (because there were legal responsibilities imposed on DD, namely waiving rights to take legal action against Ms Daniels).
24
great points and good lawyering by Daniels attorney. Trump has two options and neither is good for him. I like it!
11
Matt, your precise walkthrough of the facts reminds me of the master sleuth George Smiley of Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy. Thank you.
2
Non disclosure agreements, outside of the context of “trade secrets” and national security are clearly a violation of the first amendment.
It should be illegal to buy someone’s silence. The flip side of this transaction is called “blackmail” and it is illegal.
27
Amen
NDAs cannot be used to cover up a crime. The agreement will be found invalid for this reason.
20
The coming lawsuits from other disgruntled women—believe me, they’re out there—will not affect this presidency. Donald Trump isn’t accomplishing much—and that is perfectly acceptable to the Republican leadership—as well as the rank and file—who see this untidy man not so much as president but as well-heeled sharecropper.
A greater president could not withstand the recurring headlines and the force-fed cable shows. Bill Clinton short-sheeted his second term because of his dalliance with an intern; Trump, however, had the history before he became a candidate; his role of Lothario-in-Chief, will, among many on Capitol Hill and in rural America, find acceptance, if not approval, a tacit nod to their own hypocrisy.
In the meantime, the country’s business will be set aside, or neglected, because another lawsuit has wormed its way out of the shadows—forgotten, perhaps, by the “president,” but not by those aggrieved women—few or many—who see the feeding frenzy and can smell his blood in the air. All this, mind, while Robert Mueller’s dogged determination to unearth all the dark and ugly doings that wrought us this wretched presidency continues apace.
We are becoming numb to Trump’s outrages, but until more Americans tire of this travesty than the 63-millions who are thrilled by this pornographic novel of an administration, we will be beset by the stench of the outhouse; of the battlefield latrine that defines the new “American Carnage.”
141
Don't under estimate the damage that Trump had done and will continue to do.
21
As a matter of law, not all signed and paid for contracts are necessarily valid.
Contracts can be deemed unenforceable for a number of reasons - including illegality; lack of majority; failure to comply; and ..... if the terms are unconscionable.
Morals and ethics aside (as usual), while it might be legal for a married man to pay a porn star hush money, it is not so clear the contract is binding if campaign monies were used, or if the hush money was paid in furtherance of a campaign strategy.
Stormy may have to return the 130K if contract is deemed unenforceable, but she stands to make much more off the publicity this sordid matter has generated.
(The irony defies description)
32
She should crowdfund it...I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem, plenty of folks would pony up...and yes, the irony! Oh.my.god...the irony!
11
Ms Clifford asserts that the agreement is void because Atty. Michael Cohen talked about it, thereby violating the confidentiality agreement. However, Cohen asserted that the matter has to be settled through arbitration, as the agreement stipulated. So it appears that the whole matter hinges on whether the entirety of the original agreement is still in force, whether it is completely voided, or possibly, if the arbitration clause survives any invalidation of other parts of the agreement. Arbitration agreement or not, I expect this matter will end up in court, at least to decide what provisions of the orginal agreement may still be in force, if any or all.
4
it would be an absurd turn of law if a contract is imposed on only the party of the one signer to that document. Think about it, if that is held to be the case, anyone could write and sign a contract, give you a hundred/thousand/ten thousand dollars, and then sue you for it even though you never entered into a loan agreement with them.
Think about what all the debt vultures would do in a world where they could sign a contract and impose it on you without your signature.
4
I know it makes for spicier headlines, but is it necessary to constantly refer to Ms. Clifford's occupation and/or stage name? Is that even relevant at this point? She is a professional woman who has been taken advantage of and is trying to get out from under the legal thumb of Trump and his lawyer, so she can speak freely.
52
Well that's a lovely way to put it. That name is part of how she made her money. She doesn't seem to have a problem with it.
6
How has she been "taken advantage of"? This is not a Harvey Weinstein situation. She slept with Trump in return for a shot on his show and a condo. She got neither -- what a surprise that Trump did not deliver on his promises -- but then took $130,000 to keep quiet. Now she hopes to break that agreement to make even more money.
I agree that describing her "profession" in the headline is salacious, and unnecessary. But please do not ask us to feel sorry for her.
4
she is happy with her career and is proud to be a Porn Queen, so why do you object? it doesn't affect you at all, unless you are a Trumpian supporter, then it means you have to accept that your chosen one cheated on his wife with a women who makes money having sex on film. Not something that Jesus is likely to have approved of if you listen to Christian teachings.
5
Only photo evidence will at all lower Trump's "reputation" among his zealous voters and resentment-driven "groupies." So please, produce the pics!
26
they will call those fakes. they will deny anything to defend their chosen idol.
2
Well, I don't know. The Billy Bush taped conversation when trump admitted to abusing women didn't seem to affect their devotion to him. They seem to like being stuck in purgatory.
2
Maybe Melania might be able to appreciate the Absence of His Presence.
16
Lies, lies and more lies. Is there a sentient being on this planet who doubts the reason for the payment?
26
It’s a delicious irony that Kellyanne Conway’s husband George T. Conway brought the litigation that resulted in the ruling that a sitting president could be deposed in a civil case. The precedent was established when Paula Jones sued Bill Clinton.
Now if Stormy’s Civil suit against Trumpo is allowed to proceed he will have George to thank for allowing him to be put on the deposition hot seat where all manner of his sexual proclivities can be explored at length, under oath.
471
That's some irony.
10
i did not know that.. thanks for the fun info~!
9
Just Wow!
3
After all his degrading comments and actions against women how fitting that a woman could bring him down. You go girl!
342
Stormy is not likely a role model for your daughter.
More likely, they both deserve each other.
Having said that: you go girl!
1
Adulterer-in-Chief Trump, what a guy, huh? Thrice-married husband, father. Oh, he's some family man all right. Other presidents who wandered did so with some discretion. This egotistical blowhard wears infidelity as a badge of courage. Decades ago Trump said he fancied himself a cross between Hugh Hefner and James Bond. And Trump supporters wonder why Hillary labeled half (only half?) of them deplorable poorly educated gullible bumpkins. Anyone who defends Trump needs their head examined. No excuses.
DD
Manhattan
234
What???? The NDA also forbids Stormy from discussing Trump’s “alleged children” or “paternity information.”
The plot thickens.
85
I think it means "if I get you pregnant and you have a child you can never tell who the father is."
Whether that ever happened or not just that Trump would think to put that into a NDA just tells you what a lowlife Trump is.
2
Jan Baran’s argument that Trump paid the money simply to keep it secret from his wife makes no sense. The timing proves otherwise. The affair with Stormi was over in 2007– if he wanted to save himself from the icy wrath of Melania he would not have waited almost ten years to pay off the porn star. He made the payment just 2 weeks before the election. This shows the election was on his mind just as later “Russ-yer” was on his mind, as he said to Lester Holt, when he fired Comey.
38
The US has become so desensitized to all these issues and more, give them 2 weeks, it'll blow over and be forgotten like most issues.
8
Says the fellow from Singapore. Really?
Too much press is being given to this distraction worthy only of tabloid news. Is analysis of the North Korea negotiations and Trump's preparation for them not far more noteworthy of coverage?
8
Luckily, the informed public can follow both stories simultaneously. And both have national implications. The liar in chief brings his sordid self to the table even when he promises talks with North Korea. Character impacts both stories.
21
Actually, this one is easier to follow than many of the others. Also more likely to bring down a hammer on the head of Trump alone, therefore the source of more eager anticipation.
8
Wow. Can you read? Do you know there are other sections of this paper where these topics (and many others!) are discussed?
And by the way? A Presidential candidate using campaign funds to pay off an infidelity is rather more that an distraction.
3
If it becomes his vs. her words, can his word in public domain (e.g. NYT's list of daily falsehoods) be entered as evidence?
10
"It could have simply been a personal matter, he said, of Mr. Trump wishing to keep a secret from his wife."
Oh--he worries about lying to and cheating on his wife--but not Americans.
Is it because he doesn't want her to know about STDs?
And that's not an issue for the electorate--why? Because he only infects them metaphorically?
15
Where are the Republicans who were so shocked and offended by Mr.Clinton's behavior?They railed about lying and morality and gave Starr broad powers to investigate.They celebrated every tawdry twist and turn of events.They are silent and complicit with Mr.Trump's sordid tabloid exploits.
990
GOP sold it's soul to BIGMONEY/NRA/SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS. GOP endorsed Roy Moore and was silent after Trump's Charlottesville comments. We need to vote GOP out. Ray Sipe
9
This is true, but why stop there? The Republicans are complicit in this utterly man and his degradation of our entire system of government. How anyone with a reasonable ability to put together logical thoughts could think he did not conspire with the Russians (who, despite their attacking our troops in Syria and getting wiped out) has yet to castigate Russia or even uphold the Senate voting 98-2 to impose further sanctions is, to put it mildly, Blind, Deaf and "Dumb" like Tommy in the album by the Who.
2
Oh, this is different.
I'm not sure how, but it must be.
Just give us time to think of a reason.
5
This is still all that CNN is talking about. The contract us valid. She accepted the money. What she and her lawyer (ant the NYT) did not anticipate was that Trump would win the election, otherwise she (and her lawyer) would have demanded more money to keep quiet.
3
But 45 did not sign the contract so how can it be valid?
9
The contract is valid? Oh, really? Mr. "Dennison," a party, didn't sign. So while Ms. Clifford took the money, Mr. "Dennison"'s omission rendered him under no obligation to fulfill his other obligations, thus voiding the contract.
Fortunately for Ms. Clifford and the country, whether there is an enforceable contract will be decided by a federal judge and not one of Trump's supporters.
5
Does the American public have a right to the details regarding this alleged, debauched encounter? You bet we do. This poor excuse for a man and president has flaunted his sexual conquests in the past. The moment he entered the political arena, we the public and potential voters, had a right to every sordid detail regarding his history and character.
This isn't prurient interest. This is about the right to vet a candidate properly and in full. This particular man is so compromised by character flaws, there is nothing to recommend him for the position of president. That he is able to make policy, policy changes or interact with foreign heads of state is more egregious than most of the public can believe.
If this man is depraved, as all indications may finally confirm, he should be removed immediately. Our country and people are deserving of fair, open-minded governance and this man is beyond redemption.
32
But do we really want Pence as POTUS??
No, we don't, but what choice do we have? It is the lesser of two despicable evils.
1
Netflix or HBO couldn't have dreamed this thing up. Who needs "House of Cards" when you have this to keep you on the hook: "Stormy White House of Cards" starring Peggy Peterson and David Dennison?
18
Instead of a campaign contribution "It could have simply been a personal matter ... of Mr. Trump wishing to keep a secret from his wife."
Except for the fact that Melania is still standing by her man. What I would like to see more than the tax returns is the pre-nup.
18
Someone should start one of those Go Fund Me things for Stephanie Clifford. I doubt it would take much time to cover the cost of her breaking a contract that the Republican president never signed. And her attorney fees. Maybe she can even tell us if it was Dave Dennison who tried to nominate his alter ego for the prize that Norway gives?
46
He'll contend that any relationship was consensual...and someone in his inner circle has the expense receipt to prove it.
5
But she has the photos and possibly other embarrassing or damaging documents. If it is possible for Trump,to be embarrassed. Of course it was consensual. I don't think she ever pretended it wasn't
4
Go Stormy Go! Return the $130k to Donny Trump as the book and movie deal will be a gold mine. Start talking and start production--you could even star in the film. But take a moment to realise: The office of the President of the United States has come to this. What a tragedy.
41
The 130 K was essentially a gift. They owe gift taxes. She should keep the $$$$.
Sounds like STORMY spent some time with the Donald. I assume he regaled her with stories of financial conquest which probably included how to renegotiate a deal, how to ignore a contract already signed, how to alienate people that trusted you.
Don't take it personally, Donald. This is just Stormy's pay day. You taught her well.
44
Let's get the truth out there, and be done with it. It's pretty obvious that trump had an affair with this women - His "moral majority" followers don't care, his wife doesn't seem to care (she's likely in it for the money anyway), and his Republican colleagues and FOX news will shamelessly support him anyway.
15
Stormy Daniels "did not happen". It is "fake news". So too is the Steele Dossier and all the details contained in it about women in Russia.
trump is compromised in so many ways, however, what worries him most is how Melania will use this in their upcoming divorce proceedings.
2
Trump - being Trump, most likely has paid off a number of women to keep their silence.
Anyone else notice how silent the Republican party is? Where is the outrage for Trump's decadent behavior? No out cry from the religious base of Trump's supporters either.
In a New York Times article I read last year, Shirley MacLaine said she had information that would torpedo the president. I am sure she is not alone. How long until the flood gates open and Trump is drowned in his sins?
9
There is another possibility. Once Stormy's stories are made public, Putin may lose his hold and President Trump will be free to be - President of the US.
1
Putin has much more on him than this.
8
Why isn’t the New York Times referring to the so-called contract at issue here as “the alleged contract or agreement” or “the purported contract”? It’s Contract Law 101 that a party to a contract has to sign it in order for that person to have a right to performance of the obligations set forth there. If the President didn’t sign it, it’s not legally binding. Why isn’t that being discussed? Why isn’t the media calling it what it is - an unenforceable contract or at best an alleged agreement yet to be established as legally enforceable?
22
Depending on the governing state law ( I have not read the agreement so do not know, but I assume its New York), an unsigned contract on which both parties behaved as if it had been signed, and substantially performed, can be found to be a valid contract. The more difficult question of interpretation is whether all terms and conditions will be enforced. In addition, I believe both parties have to sign the agreement as it pertains to mandatory arbitration--i.e., giving up your right to pursue enforcement of the agreement in a court of law, in order for that aspect of the agreement to be enforceable. Therein lies Trump's problem.
13
Thanks for that clarification Phil.
3
I wonder why she agreed to take the money in the first place, and why she agreed to so little money. If she wanted to expose him, why didn't she? Why this wacky approach?
76
She probably didn't realize, at the time, that she could have asked for lots more money; and is most likely regretting it now - like an "I let them off too easy" type of thinking.
9
I think she was taking advantage of him in the first place, enjoying the sudden leverage acquired from a simple trick, log ago. The odds of his winning the election were win-win for her at that point, and she's been watching the investment grow in public interest as Donald's credibility continues to plunge. She's right about defending the freedom of speech, given the unsigned arbitration agreement, but surely the MeToo movement is also gaining momentum. You have to start giving these women some credit. They work hard for the money.
4
At the time there was little reason to imagine trump would reside in the White House.
4
Evangelical Christians should be ashamed.
Very ashamed.
20
They have no shame, for themselves. They ONLY shame others.
17
Stephanie Clifford, aka Stormy Daniels, will win the case. Justice always win.
Women, children, immigrants, and the poor will save this country.
"La vérité peut languir, mais non périr".
8
Does anyone believe that paying a porn star to keep silent and return whatever pictures she had was not intended to help the campaign?
18
The issues seem to be those of California law (judge-, not jury-decided) which, I believe, requires an agreement to manifest the "consent" of the parties to its terms. Where is Trump's "consent" when he has publicly disclaimed any knowledge whatsoever of what lawyer Cohen had done and did not sign the Agreement.
Also at issue is the enforceability of liquidated damages that are 7.6 times the stated consideration of $130,000. I do not know about California but many jurisdictions disfavor liquidated damages that are punitive as opposed to compensatory.
And, to note another issue, the Agreement says that disputes are subject to "confidential binding arbitration", yet Sarah Sanders was shouting "victory in arbitration" on Trump's behalf. If what goes on in the arbitration proceeding is confidential, how did she know anything about what had happened?
21
Mister Grolsch, the liquidation damages of $1,000,000 is "calculated on a PER ITEM basis," which suggests that each violation is a $1,000,000 fine. So, it's way more than 7.6x $130,000. And that's on top of disgorging the original $130,000.
1
Thanks, very good point.
Ms. Clifford is simply looking for a huge payday. She is reaching the expiration date for her life as an adult entertainer.
3
yes, she wants pay and fame. So what?
8
Didn't she ratify the settlement by accepting the money? If not, doesn't she have to give it back as a condition to disavowing the agreement?
1
Before jumping to conclusions about depositions and damaging disclosures, it should be noted that Mr. Trump has all the money in the world to settle this thing and keep all the details secret. I don't believe there would be any financial limits. He paid $25 million to settle the Trump University case.
2
I hope Stormy has the strength to stick with this. She deserves to be heard.
15
In every one of these situations, if I was as innocent as trump says he is, I would say="go for it, investigate all you want, I have work to do"--but that is once again what I would do. The person I feel for is Melania, her loyalty during the Access tape saying it was just locker room talk was so supportive as a wife, but now I can't imagine what she is feeling. Her husband should have thought of all his indiscretions before even pursuing the leadership of a country. I am still baffled and fascinated at the level of support and loyalty he receives to this day from his base.
7
Bill Clinton's presidency was almost brought down by an affair. Trump seems to have had an affair and paid money to keep it all quiet. Not only is his presidency in no jeopardy at all, this story never reaches up to the top of the headlines. Why the big difference? Well, one reason is that Republicans were all too happy to use Clinton's affair as a cudgel to hurt him. And these same Republicans are now all too happy to look the other way when the president is "their guy."
15
The WH is denying that Trump knew anything about the payments. That would invalidate the nondisclosure contract and Stormy is free to talk.
9
I guess we need a re-do of "Wag the Dog." Instead of a war with Albania, this time its meeting with North Korea to distract from the president and the porn star scandal.
48
In the end, what propelled Trump to the heights of stardom and Presidency, will likely cause his undoing. The higher he goes, the more everyone sees how pathetic he always was.
269
Reading that a "Former general counsel to the RNC'' believes "It could have been a personal matter, keeping a secret from his wife" (paraphrased), is truly laughable. If nothing but the timing alone, were considered, by a reasonably minded juror, it's suspect.
But for anyone, connected to the RNC especially to believe that a man who flaunts his conquests publically, from radio shows to personal interviews, is days before an election, trying to shield his wife from embarrassment, is such a mental stretch that I need an icepack just to consider that.
928
Not true. Perhaps it would not have come out had Mr. Trump not run for President and won. Who knows, maybe Stormy saw an opportunity for more money than what she initially received?
These are certainly different times than when Mr. Kennedy was in the White House. I don't recall ever reading he was pathetic even though many women have come forward speaking of his affairs.
3
Your prose style has nailed it.
7
Donald J. Trump's lifetime has centered on money. His ability to manipulate for financial reward is legendary. The tangled strands of the Trumpian web includes money and sex, not an unusual circumstance. That a modest $130,000 hushabye payment should be the opening to further revelations regarding Mr. Trump's financial game playing may not be unique. Often, as an old pop song would have it, "Little Things Mean A Lot."
The More to Come in this saga may be more than we've imagined.
Doug Giebel, Big Sandy, Montana
7
Donnie would likely have to pony up seven figures to keep her quiet this time. But she could make even more with a book and movie deal (Alec Baldwin, are you available?) once the dust settles, so hopefully she stays the course and completely exposes this walking dumpster-fire of a president we have.
285
Thank you Ms. Daniels for your patriotism, You are the only person to holding this President's feet to the fire. Can you explain to Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and the rest of Congress how this is done?
595
If Stormy was a Patriot she would not have accepted $130k to keep quiet. Had she been a Patriot she would have spoken out before the election and the outcome may have very well been different.
11
Just how much patriotism does $130K buy? How much can I get for under a grand?
4
Better late than never.
6
I’m surprised to see no mention of Sarah Sanders’s gaffe yesterday in which she claimed Trump “won” an arbitration he was not actually party to.
499
Yeah, I was also unaware that obtaining a legally dubious preliminary injunction was the same as "winning" arbitration.
And as you note, it does not appear DD was a party to the arbitration, but per the NDA he's the only one who could seek injunctive relief of this sort from the arbitrator. Another thing not addressed here or in other articles is that the arbitration section requires the parties to agree on selection of an arbitrator, or uses arbitrator policies in the case of disagreement. But if PP never knew about the arbitration injunction filing, how could she agree or disagree to selection of an arbitrator?
16
Stephen Colbert enjoyed that moment of honesty during his show yesterday.
5
I think it is hard for the media to keep up with everything. Every hour there is breaking news.
3
It may open the door for others, however his followers will say it's his word against her or him.
But when you have as many her's or him's, you have to say some of them have to be true.
Yet, he will still be in that chair he doesn't deserve.
7
Even though Clinton was found guilt of lying about the Monica Lewinsky affair and was impeached, it did not stop him from serving as President.
If it is proven that Cohen acted on behalf of Trump in paying the money to Daniels, would Cohen and Trump be guilty of money laundering, as it was paid through a shell corporation that was set up specifically to pay Daniels?
"Oh what a web we weave, when we practice to deceive." If found guilty of money laundering, could Trump still serve as President?
This could become as deep as Mueller's investigation.
Sounds like RICO to me.
79
The nation doesn’t care about Trump’s sexual activity. If it did Trump would never have been elected. Ms. Clifford or Stormy or whatever name she wants to go by is probably looking to improve on her $130,000 payday. One cannot blame her for trying and I hope she succeeds. In the end, Trump could walk down Pennsylvania Avenue with a hundred strippers on his arm and no one would say a word.
56
I am certain Melania Trump would care to a degree that would bring about a very messy and public divorce. You are right however, Evangelicals appear to not care at all, which typically is the first group to care.
9
The whole affair points to a pattern of cover ups and scandals though. We know Trump and his fixers were doing dirty work to silence mistresses; what else were they trying to cover up
11
I think some strippers have more dignity than to walk down a street with 45.
8
The Christian evangelical right invested a lot of political and religious capital in this president which seems more and more to look like a very poor investment. After giving the president the benefit of the doubt for endorsing a sexual child predator for a Senate seat, Family Research Council president Tony Perkins should ask himself and his organization why they stand by this flawed man.
Christopher Steele's "salacious" dossier may not be as far-fetched as the president's supporters claim. The president's wild libido cannot now be dismissed as fake news.
The president's lawyers appear to be incompetent, especially Donald McGahn and Michael Cohen. If these two guys are the president's best defense against Robert Mueller's investigators, he's in deep trouble.
There is a reason Cohen and the president wanted to gag Ms. Daniels. Her silence might have ruined the GOP nominee's bid after the release of the Hollywood Access tape in the fall of 2016 but muzzling her allowed the president to prevail in the election. As always, the truth has a way of finding the light of day.
225
Why will the religious right stand by him regardless of what he does in office and has done in the past? In one word: abortion.
All their eggs are in the basket of trump appointing SCOTUS justices who will overturn Roe and make abortion a criminal offense for both doctor and patient in all 50 states and all US territories. As another commentator opined, he could march down Pennsylvania Ave with 100 strippers on his arm, and they will vote for him again en bloc. Nothing else matters.
19
@Lynn, CA: And here’s more hypocrisy: how many abortions do you think he may have paid for, given his past?
17
If Melania Trump had an abortion on live national TV, the evangelicals would declare it was the will of god. It's only you and me and our families and friends who aren't allowed a choice.
22
For the life of me, I don't know why Trump simply doesn't step up to the microphone and brag about this affair. He'd go up five points with the GOP and ten points with Evangelicals overnight.
734
Because it would basically be admitting to campaign finance law violations by him and Cohen, and be almost certain grounds for disbarment of Cohen by the New York bar.
17
Hush money of $130,000.00 seems an awfully high price to pay for a simple affair.
21
Not if you're running for president, apparently...
2
Good Lord! I can't imagine anybody sleeping with Trump for ten times that much - and I don't want to!!!
2
A true dog and pony show.
If our esteemed leader worries about the affair he will take the fake news route and sadly, his supporters will be there for him.
This is just another example of a dirty man. America should be screaming for his impeachment
92
Remember when the GOP impeached President Clinton for lying about a consensual affair?
453
Yeah but the impeachment failed and he maintained the office! It was just a distraction which we don't need to go through again.
Impeached for lying under oath, not sex
So, just who would Mr. Cohen have us believe is President, Trump or David Dennison. Will the real David Dennison, please stand up !
I'm sure David Dennison will be glad to know that if Mr. Cohen is successful at defending the NDA with Ms. Daniels (Clifford) that he'll be coming into a lot of money.
8
"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."
14
Were this to come to pass, I would give up my 10:00 tee time to watch. However, Trump's peccadilloes are such old news that I might just rejoin my brethren on the 5th tee box. We of faith know you-know-who forgives sinners.
3
Stormy's silencing order prevents her talking about "Paternity Issues" If it turns out that Trump's lawyer paid for an abortion, would that finally be a bridge too far for his GOP/evangelical base that has thus far tolerated sexual abuse, corruption, lying etc?
373
Of course not...they are all the epitome of hypocrite.
19
There is no such thing as "a bridge too far" for the GOP and evangelicals. The excuses are bottomless and tribalism conquers morality every time.
27
Oh, probably not.
13
Trump and the Clintons have one thing in common - all three are morally sleazy.
However, we voted two of them into office, and the third won the popular vote.
They thus probably mirror the general state of sexual morality in these licentious times.
My lawful, opposite-gender spouse and I do not partake, but we cannot help but observe this odious behavior. I thank God(!) for giving me the strength to resist(!) it.
4
Ms. Clifford, just find a newspaper willing to pay you millions for your story and also being willing to pick up legal penalties. And then go for it. It's not that your target has shown any decency and compassion to anybody else, ever.
287
Trump is sitting in a ring of fire, but so far has not been burned. You would think that by now, a flame would have seared this guy. I am not holding my breath on this one until something actually happens. Can this country get any zanier? Probably.
16
I think evangelicals are like Johnny Cochrane in the OJ trial. In order to bring the issues of systemic police corruption and racism to national attention he defended and vindicated a vile man who brutally killed 2 people. I think evangelicals have to stomach the appalling nature of Trump in order they can push what they see are more important issues around god, gays and abortions. Getting Neil Gorsuch was a big win for them. I’m sure that some of them will tell you that, “God works in mysterious ways.”
12
Basically evangelicals are hypocrites more interested in money, power and control than in living the teachings of the God they claim to serve.
16
Let he who has not fornicated with a video sex worker just after his fifth child was born to his third wife
and
who has not signed into law the biggest US tax cut in history that makes rich richer and sticks the poor with the bill
cast the first stone.
584
Hand me that stone, please.
21
Amen. Well.
and
who does not owe being elected President of the United States to James Comey, Vladimir Putin and Julian Assange.
5
Could Trump's failing to sign the gag agreement make it only a contract between Cohn and Stormy? If so, what would the legal consequences?
7
Stormy Daniels
(with apologies to Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Holiday)
Don't know why
There's no cash left in the sky,
Stormy Daniels
Since my mistress and I ain't together
Keeps rainin' hush money all the time
Life is bare
Non-disclosure agreements everywhere
Stormy Daniels
Just can't get my poor self together
I'm worried all the time, the time
So worried all the time
When she went away, the blues walked in and met me
If she don’t stay away, the FBI is gonna get me
All I do is pray Steve’s payments will let me
Walk in the sun once more
Can't go on
All that hush money is gone
Stormy Daniels
Since my porn star and I ain't together
Keeps rainin' hush money all the time
Keeps rainin' hush money all the time
178
Wonderful.
6
Thanks for the laugh! Well done. I sang it and laughed along.
6
Don't forget Judy Garland. Her rendition of "Stormy Weather" was fantastic.
I'm hearing it in my head right now, with your great lyrics!
3
I think that an affair with a porn star is ok with the evangelicals according to pastor Robert Jeffress. it against some commandment but it is not about policy! Wow
287
Yes. God loves the cracked jug, the ends justifies the means...said Jesus never.
9
And wasn't it strange that Jeffress could not remember the name of the Commandment, er, Suggestion?
8
I'm surprised that so many seem to have forgotten Tammy Faye, Jim Baker the wonderful - and sadly accurate - send ups of the self-righteous,wretched religious right on SNL a decade or three ago - and Oral Roberts blackmailing his "congregation" into sending him money lest God take him home - the rise of the Moral Majority etc. et. al. Supporting Trump is just business as usual for the contemptible, religious right.
5