Former US President Donald Trump has been charged with multiple felony counts in a shocking turn of events. According to an unsealed indictment, released on Tuesday, the 34-counts indictment accuses Trump of various crimes related to a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his presidential campaign.
The documents, which can be read here, detail a complex scheme by Trump's associates, including former lawyer Michael Cohen and Republican National Committee attorney Kellyanne Conway. The alleged plan involved the payment to prevent Daniels from speaking publicly about an affair she claimed had with Trump in 2006.
Prosecutors claim that Trump was involved in directing payments of up to $500,000 to several individuals as part of the hush money scheme. The indictment specifically cites two instances: one involving a payment made by Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen, and another involving a company owned by Trump himself.
In relation to the latter instance, prosecutors argue that Trump engaged in a corrupt transaction by ordering his lawyer to arrange for payments from his own company. This act allegedly violated federal campaign finance laws, which require presidential candidates to disclose their financial transactions.
The indictment also sheds light on how Stormy Daniels' lawyer Michael Avenatti worked with other figures involved in the scheme, including former Trump aide Steve Bannon and lawyer John Doe. Prosecutors claim that these individuals collaborated to secretly pay off Daniels for her silence over the affair.
Trump's lawyers have so far refused to comment on the charges. The indictment has ignited a firestorm of controversy, sparking fears about the erosion of US democracy by those in positions of power who exploit the law for personal gain.
As this story continues to unfold, Trump will likely face significant pressure and scrutiny from law enforcement agencies, lawmakers, and fellow citizens alike.
The documents, which can be read here, detail a complex scheme by Trump's associates, including former lawyer Michael Cohen and Republican National Committee attorney Kellyanne Conway. The alleged plan involved the payment to prevent Daniels from speaking publicly about an affair she claimed had with Trump in 2006.
Prosecutors claim that Trump was involved in directing payments of up to $500,000 to several individuals as part of the hush money scheme. The indictment specifically cites two instances: one involving a payment made by Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen, and another involving a company owned by Trump himself.
In relation to the latter instance, prosecutors argue that Trump engaged in a corrupt transaction by ordering his lawyer to arrange for payments from his own company. This act allegedly violated federal campaign finance laws, which require presidential candidates to disclose their financial transactions.
The indictment also sheds light on how Stormy Daniels' lawyer Michael Avenatti worked with other figures involved in the scheme, including former Trump aide Steve Bannon and lawyer John Doe. Prosecutors claim that these individuals collaborated to secretly pay off Daniels for her silence over the affair.
Trump's lawyers have so far refused to comment on the charges. The indictment has ignited a firestorm of controversy, sparking fears about the erosion of US democracy by those in positions of power who exploit the law for personal gain.
As this story continues to unfold, Trump will likely face significant pressure and scrutiny from law enforcement agencies, lawmakers, and fellow citizens alike.