That track record could prove less compelling if the authorities obtain evidence that Mr. Cohen privately discussed the payment in the context of Mr. Trump’s campaign. But federal election laws require that those loans come from banks as routine business transactions. If Mr. Trump or his campaign only discovered the payment after the fact, they should have amended their previous filings to reflect the expenditure, and any reimbursements to Mr. Cohen. The Wall Street Journal first reported the $130,000 payment to Ms. Clifford in January, and Mr. Trump has not moved to amend his disclosures. But Mr. Cohen, after the raid last month, is under intense legal pressure.

Source: New York Times May 03, 2018 23:55 UTC