If Trump defends himself in the New York City criminal case for allegedly securing a hush money payment to an adult movie star, it could prove to be a demanding case to beat, argues a prominent legal expert.
Former Watergate prosecutor Nick Akerman appeared on CNN on Friday to explain why former President Donald Trump shouldn't feel relief that this criminal case may be the first draw out of the four.
"I think it's easily just as strong as the other cases, and you have two accomplices with Michael Cohen and David Pecker, formerly of The "National Enquirer", both of whom are going to corroborate each other over the scheme that Donald Trump tried to pay off women to keep them from telling their stories before the 2016 election.
Akerman punched on a Washington Post article, where multiple legal experts called the hush money case the least potent of the lot.
“This was the first indictment of Trump, but quickly became seen as the runt of the litter, compared to bigger, more consequential cases,” veteran criminal New York defense Ronald Kuby told the outlet.
"Absolutely incorrect," said Akerman. "I take issue with that."
"This case involves Donald Trump basically defrauding the voters in the 2016 election. That's what it says right up front in the statement of facts for that indictment."
New York City's D.A. Alvin Bragg's office filed a 34-count criminal indictment, accusing Trump of falsifying records around the alleged payment to Stormy Daniels at the tail end of his 2016 presidential campaign.
Akerman believes that, at the time, there was a mad dash by Trump to put a lid on the alleged payment, as well as a long-term romance dating back to 2006 with former Playboy Karen McDougal — who went public in 2018.
Trump was a married man then, having wed former First Lady Melania Trump in 2005.
"The whole point was after the "Access Hollywood" tape," Akerman said. "Donald Trump could not afford to have other people coming out and basically saying the same thing he said on tape. So this case is extremely important."
Akerman was referring to the 2005 recording with then-TV host Billy Bush, where Trump was recorded saying a now-famous misogynistic statement.
Watch the segment below or at this link.
'Incorrect!' Watergate lawyer corrects the record on 'extremely strong' Stormy Daniels caseyoutu.be
