In the aftermath of the 2016 election, a lawyer named Keith Davidson expressed dismay over the hush-money payments made on behalf of two women linked to Donald Trump. In text messages, he questioned the impact of these clandestine payoffs on the election outcome. Davidson had negotiated deals with the National Enquirer to bury Karen McDougal’s story and participated in negotiations for Stormy Daniels. He noted that there was an understanding that their actions may have helped Trump’s campaign, despite his gallows humor.
During Trump’s criminal trial, Davidson testified about his frustrations with Michael Cohen, Trump’s former fixer who paid $130,000 to Daniels for her silence. This payment, along with Trump’s reimbursements disguised as legal expenses, are central to the 34 felony charges against the former president. Davidson described Cohen as temperamental, needy, and unreliable, doubting whether he would come through with the payment. However, Cohen did eventually pay Daniels, and her story of a sexual encounter with Trump became public in January 2018.
Davidson’s testimony also shed light on the seamy world of celebrity scandal and hush-money agreements. He detailed the deals he negotiated for McDougal and Daniels, including the use of pseudonyms like David Dennison and Peggy Peterson. The agreement with McDougal, who alleged a past affair with Trump, was purchased by the National Enquirer’s parent company for $150,000. The deal with Daniels, which led to the 34 felony charges against Trump, involved a payment made by Cohen to buy her silence.
In 2016, Daniels struggled to sell her story until the release of the “Access Hollywood” recording, which increased interest in her account. Despite the tabloid’s lack of interest, Davidson ultimately negotiated a deal with Cohen on her behalf. However, Cohen repeatedly delayed payment and made excuses before finally coming through. This testimony highlighted the behind-the-scenes negotiations and agreements that sought to keep Trump’s alleged affairs out of the public eye during the 2016 election campaign.
