The tabloid National Enquirer has been fined for a $150,000 payment to Donald Trump’s alleged mistress in 2016. But A360 Media, LLC, publishers of the National Enquirer, has agreed to the fine of over $187,500 for the role of the former owners in the incident. The former President will escape being penalized, again.
In an identical case, the Federal Election Commission had failed to sanction Donald Trump for a payment of $130,000 to Stormy Daniels, the ex-porn star who had admitted to having sex with Donald Trump.
Common Cause, the advocacy group filed complaints with the FEC about disbursements to both the women.
In the former case, Michael Cohen, the former President’s lawyer took the rap for paying Daniels on the instruction of the former President. The incident took place before the election in 2016.
In the present case involving McDougal, the then owners, American Media, had paid McDougal $150,000 for her silence. The former model was paid for her silence in her affair with the then Presidential candidate before the 2016 elections.
Donald Trump Walks Free Again
Trump’s ex-lawyer spent a year in prison after he admitted his guilt in 2018. He was convicted for finance violations during the federal campaign. Trump was untouched.
American Media had agreed with the Justice Department to escape prosecution regarding payments made to the Playboy star. It admitted to the payment that ensured that she kept quiet about her allegations. Then, publisher of American Media, David Pecker had brokered the deal. Common Cause had alleged that the payment had violated finance laws during the campaign.
Neither Trump’s spokesman, nor any representative for American Media responded to inquiries.
The FEC has both times failed to determine whether Donald Trump had violated campaign laws.
Michael Cohen had paid Stormy Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford $130,000 for her silence.
Paul Ryan, Common cause VP, found it astonishing that while the minor players spent time and paid fines, the main accused, Donald Trump walked away free. He compensated Cohen for the payment to Stormy Daniels, though he had denied having sex with her or McDougal.
