Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen said the president directed him to arrange hush-money payments for two women alleging affairs with the then-candidate, which he did out of loyalty to Trump though he knew it was wrong.
Cohen, 52, who was sentenced this week to three years in prison for his role in orchestrating the payments prior to the 2016 presidential election, told ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos that Trump had become concerned with how the women’s allegations might affect the election.
Trump has maintained that he never ordered his former “fixer” to break the law.
Asked if Trump knew the payments were wrong, Cohen responded, “Of course.”
“He directed me to make the payments, he directed me to become involved in these matters,” Cohen said.
“First of all, nothing at the Trump Organization was ever done unless it was run through Mr. Trump. He directed me to make the payments, he directed me to become involved in these matters.”
