A former White House attorney in the Trump administration had no answer on Wednesday morning for CNN host Alisyn Camerota when he was asked if there was any innocent reason why adult actress Stormy Daniels received a $130,000 payout from President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer.

Appearing on “New Day,” former White House lawyer Jim Schultz was asked by the CNN host about the adult star’s contention that she is not beholden to a non-disclosure agreement and whether the payment violated campaign laws.

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“Jim, how does this not violate campaign finance laws?” Camerota asked.

“The payment itself doesn’t violate campaign finance laws if the payment wasn’t made to influence the election,” He explained. “So it really goes to the intent of the payment in these types of situations. What was the purpose of the payment? In this case, Michael Cohen has said to the news media that he did it in order to protect his client.”

“Doesn’t that influence the election?” the CNN host pressed.

“No, no, no, no, not so fast,” Schultz protested. “It could mean, look, Michael Cohen has been his lawyer for a long time, he’s represented Donald Trump a long time — he’s been his lawyer. He’s cared for him and he has represented him. And just because there may have been a payment made, in order to protect his client doesn’t mean it was made to influence the outcome of this election.”

“Even if it was made just weeks before the election?” the skeptical Camerota asked.

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“It doesn’t matter what the timing was,” Schultz shot back. “All of that will factor into it. But what is important is: why of the payment made?”

Sensing an opening, Camerota asked, “Why was the payment made? Why do you think he would have paid a $130,000 payment?”

“The $130,000 payment,” an exasperated Schultz repeated. “Look, they have denied any of the allegations were ever true. But that doesn’t mean — they are made day in and day out. Complaints are filed day in and day out and they settle suits for a variety of reasons and do not admit liability.”

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“In this particular instance, what we have heard from Cohen so far is none of these allegations are true but this payment was made,” he resignedly said.

Watch the video below via CNN: