Trial hears insiders believed Access Hollywood tape would mark the start of Trump’s downfall

In a dramatic turn of events, the hush money trial involving former President Donald Trump took a surprising twist as attorney Keith Davidson testified about brokering deals to keep damaging stories about Trump out of the press during the 2016 presidential election.

Davidson, who previously represented adult film star Stormy Daniels, revealed that interest in his client’s story peaked after the infamous 2005 Access Hollywood tape leaked, in which Trump was caught making lewd comments about women. The trial centers around allegations that Trump falsified business records to cover up payments made to Davidson and others as hush money.

The testimony also shed light on a separate scheme involving former Playboy model Karen McDougal, whose story of an alleged affair with Trump was buried by the National Enquirer for $150,000. Davidson discussed how the Access Hollywood tape further complicated matters, leading to frantic negotiations and frustrations with Trump’s then-attorney Michael Cohen.

Despite Cohen’s promises to wire funds to Daniels, Davidson eventually cut ties with Cohen after repeated delays and excuses. The trial revealed Cohen’s frantic efforts to establish a shell corporation to funnel money for the hush payments, highlighting the chaotic and secretive nature of the transactions.

As the trial unfolds, it becomes clear that the pressure to keep damaging stories under wraps was immense, with Davidson and Cohen at the center of a web of deceit and cover-ups. The revelations in court paint a picture of a candidate desperate to salvage his election chances at any cost, even if it meant resorting to illegal and unethical tactics.