President Trump is strongly denying that the hush-money payments made by his former attorney to two women leading up to the campaign were campaign contributions.
As Fox New reports President Trump is calling it simply a private transaction:
“Democrats can’t find a Smocking Gun tying the Trump campaign to Russia after James Comey’s testimony. No Smocking Gun…No Collusion.” @FoxNews That’s because there was NO COLLUSION. So now the Dems go to a simple private transaction, wrongly call it a campaign contribution,…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2018
President Trump went on to point out that if a mistake was made the liability for that mistake would rest with his former lawyer:
….which it was not (but even if it was, it is only a CIVIL CASE, like Obama’s – but it was done correctly by a lawyer and there would not even be a fine. Lawyer’s liability if he made a mistake, not me). Cohen just trying to get his sentence reduced. WITCH HUNT!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 10, 2018
The President’s position got support from veteran campaign finance lawyer Dan Backer who said in a recent interview with Forbes that he is less than impressed with the Justice Departments evidence.
As Fox News reports:
Dan Backer, the lawyer, told Forbes that there appears to be no evidence to corroborate the DOJ’s apparent assertion of any illegality on Trump’s part.
Backer, a veteran campaign counsel, said it is common practice for high-profile individuals and companies to take part in these kinds of payment arrangements. He said Trump is a brand, he has carried out similar payments for years and these so-called “hush-buys” will likely continue.
“Brand protection is not a campaign contribution,” he told the magazine.
…
“The notion that every penny a candidate personally or professionally spends is somehow reportable to the FEC is utter nonsense,” he continued.
Senator Rand Paul also came to the President’s defense pointing out that the complex web of campaign finance laws presents a fairness issue that should be addressed.
