What happened today in history?
What happened
today in history?
[ Dec 12 ]
Back

The 2018 Hush Money Payments: A Controversial Chapter in American Politics

45th US President, Businessman and TV Personality Donald Trump

The Shocking Payments to Silence Scandals

Trump and Hush Money

In 2018, revelations surfaced regarding the payments made to silence allegations involving Donald Trump, then the President of the United States. Key players came to light, with American Media Inc. (AMI), the publisher behind the National Enquirer, admitting to paying hush money to two women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump. These payments raised serious questions about the legality and ethics surrounding political campaigns.

American Media Inc.'s Role

American Media Inc. played a significant role in the saga, as they were responsible for making payments to keep damaging information about Trump from becoming public. This tactic of 'catch and kill' was intended to suppress negative stories that could affect Trump's electoral campaign. By acquiring exclusive rights to the stories, AMI ensured they wouldn’t see the light of day, showcasing a troubling intersection of media power and political maneuvering.

The Fallout and Implications

Legal Repercussions for Trump

The fallout from these hush money payments became a critical focus of investigations into Trump’s conduct during and after his presidency. Many legal experts argued that these payments amounted to violations of campaign finance laws, as they were made to influence the outcome of the election by preventing damaging stories from surfacing.

Public Reaction and Trust

The revelations surrounding the hush money payments significantly impacted public trust in Trump and his administration. Many Americans viewed the payments as an unethical attempt to manipulate public opinion, prompting widespread discussions about the implications for transparency in politics. The events fueled a partisan divide that has continued to shape American political discourse.

Fun Fact

The National Enquirer and Celebrity Scandals

The National Enquirer, known for its sensationalist approach to news, has a long history of publishing stories on celebrity scandals. Its involvement with Trump marked a significant moment in the melding of tabloid journalism with political affairs.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Trump and the Scandal

For those looking to dive deeper into the intricacies of the Trump hush money scandal, consider reading "The Room Where It Happened" by John Bolton, and "Unhinged" by Omarosa Manigault Newman, which offer insights into the inner workings of Trump’s administration and surrounding scandals.