During the opening statement of the trial, prosecutor Matthew Colangelo revealed that Donald Trump did not want to personally write a check for the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. Instead, he instructed Michael Cohen and Allen Weisselberg to find an alternative way to make the payment. Colangelo stated that Cohen confirmed with Trump before using his own funds for the payment, with the understanding that Trump would reimburse him.
Colangelo further highlighted that at Trump's request, Cohen agreed to use his own money to ensure Stormy Daniels remained silent just two weeks before the 2016 presidential election. This revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes efforts to keep the alleged affair between Trump and Daniels under wraps.