Rudy Giuliani, 78, just argued on live television that Donald Trump’s hush money payments should be considered a “business expense,” and accepted as such, as reported by The Hill. In a segment on Don Abrams Live, the NewsNation anchor brought the former mayor of New York City and one-time Trump attorney on to discuss Trump’s hush money payments and falsified business records.
In 2016, in an effort to protect his presidential campaign, Donald Trump, 76, paid out hush money to suppress potential sexual affairs allegations from arising. This included a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels, 44, via his then-lawyer Michael Cohen (who admitted under oath the bribes and subsequent reimbursement). Trump was indicted for the payments last week and arraigned this past Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty to 34 felony criminal charges.
Former Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani Calls Trump's Hush Money Payments A 'Business Expense'
When asked about Trump's illicit affairs and omission of truth in the segment with Abrams, Giuliani said, "I don't convict people of things I can't prove." He added, "It's not a crime. It's not under oath—it's not perjury."
Abrams prompted Giuliani that Trump falsified business records, but the former mayor quickly interrupted and asked "Well, did he?" suggesting that such actions as hush money payments could be considered legitimate business expenses.
Abrams pressed on, arguing, "There's no way paying off women over an affair could be considered a business expense." Giuliani replied, "Well, sure is," and added, "It could affect your reputation and business," so therefore it could be considered an expense. He went on to push that even "the IRS would accept it as such." Is he serious?!
Giuliani doesn't believe that Trump will face criminal charges. "I think it's gonna be dismissed," he said to Abrams. "I think there are too many legal hurdles to overcome unless there's something else in the indictment."
Trump’s arraignment is just the beginning of a long legal road ahead. While it could result in a criminal trial, it's likely that Trump and his lawyers will file various pre-trial motions beforehand. This could include a motion to dismiss the case, which is likely since Trump maintains his innocence.
As reported by CNN, The Trump team has until August 8 to file any motions, which the prosecution will have to respond to by September 19. The judge overseeing the case said he will rule on the motions at the next in-person hearing, which is scheduled for December 4.
