Former President Donald Trump and two women, lawyer Keith Davidson rebuffed claims of “hush money,” asserting that the payments were part of a civil settlement. Davidson clarified that he never referred to the payments as “hush money” and viewed them as contractual consideration akin to settling a dispute.
During questioning by Manhattan prosecutor Joshua Steinglass, Davidson maintained his stance, emphasizing that he would not use the term “hush money.” Trump attorney Emil Bove probed into Davidson’s understanding of extortion law and his previous dealings involving suppressing embarrassing stories, suggesting a pattern of skirting legal boundaries.
Davidson, who never met Trump personally and relied on communication with Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, testified that his knowledge of Trump’s involvement was indirect. The defense’s argument centers on Trump’s alleged lack of direct involvement in the negotiations, presenting the payments as legal fees rather than criminal acts.
Meanwhile, Trump has criticized the trial, viewing it as an obstacle to his potential 2024 campaign. The trial, expected to continue for another month, has seen disagreements over a gag order and scheduling conflicts, with Trump granted a break to attend his son’s graduation.
