Lordy, There Are Tapes — And Stormy Daniels’ Attorney Says Trump Can Be Heard Discussing Affair

Donald Trump has denied all allegations regarding an affair with Stephanie Clifford, also known by her stage name, Stormy Daniels. However, since the first round of denials, he has gradually admitted to parts of the story, while continuing to deny others. Now, according to Daniels’ attorney, Michael Avenatti, there may be evidence contradicting some of the continued denials.

While Trump at first denied making a payment to Daniels for her silence, or paying back Cohen for covering the cost, his financial disclosure forms for 2017 were released this month, and according to CNN, they include the repayment to Cohen.

The current claim from Trump and his legal representation, Rudy Guiliani, is that the payment happened, but that Daniels’ allegations are false, and the Trump team only paid her off because the amount was so low and it was easier than fighting the claims.

Now, it’s Cohen’s own legal troubles that could expose any additional lies in these claims. Representing Stormy Daniels, Michael Avenatti appeared before U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood to enter a request (which he subsequently withdrew) to intervene in Cohen’s case, and specifically expressed concern about recordings said to be in Cohen’s files.

The recordings allegedly feature conversations between Cohen and other parties, and reportedly include discussions with Daniels’ previous attorney, and pertain to her case. Courthouse News reporter Adam Klasfield shared on Wednesday that Avenatti told Judge Wood a journalist had contacted him, suggesting that this journalist had heard at least some portion of these recordings, and wanted Avenatti’s input on the contents.

Avenatti has dubbed these the ‘Trump Tapes’ and compares them to the Nixon Tapes, and says they should be disclosed in full.

Thursday morning, on Twitter, Avenatti declared that through his research and connections, he has learned more about the contents of the recordings and that he is confident they include Trump’s voice discussing the Stormy Daniels case.

I know for a fact that at least one, & likely many,

of the #TrumpTapes contain Mr. Trump’s voice. I know this from the work that we have done and through the assistance of true patriots. If I am wrong, Mr. Cohen and his atty should prove it. They can’t and won’t. #ReleaseTheTapes — Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) May 31, 2018

If he’s correct, recordings of Trump discussing the case with Cohen could reveal details like whether Trump knew of the payment beforehand (which he denies), whether Trump knew of the alleged threats made to silence the film star (which he also denies), and any admission of either the affair or knowledge of the cover-up.

Attorney Michael Avenatti is calling for the full release of any recordings relevant to the multiple lawsuits between Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels.