State Prosecutors Looking At Trump Organization

The Manhattan District Attorney's office is looking into criminal charges against the Trump Organization for it's role in the $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 elections. Two unnamed officials with the Trump Organization are the focus of the investigation, and it's likely that the Organization's chief financial officer Allen Weisellberg is one of the two. Former Trump fixer and Organization lawyer Michael Cohen is also likely to the the other.

According to Michael Cohen's plea deal on Federal felony charges on Tuesday, the Trump Organization reimbursed him $420,000 for the payment to Daniels, plus his fees and other costs, but labeled the cost "legal fees." False invoices were then submitted to cover the payments to Cohen apparently with the knowledge of Organization officials.

The important factor, if criminal charges are pursued, is that Presidential pardoning powers don't cover New York State criminal actions. Also, this potential State action is in addition to State charges filed against the Trump Foundation for self-dealing and fraud, for which Cohen has been subpoenaed. The State's Trump Foundation suit names Trump's children Don Jr., Eric and Ivanka in the fraudulent activities.