Stormy Daniels, the adult film star known for her legal battles with Donald Trump, has advised Melania Trump to leave her husband following his conviction in the hush money trial.
In a recent interview, Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, expressed her belief that Melania should part ways with Trump. When asked if Melania should leave Trump, Daniels responded, “Yeah,” citing his status as a convicted felon and his abusive behavior as grounds for separation.
Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment made to Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. This payment was intended to silence Daniels about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006 while he was married to Melania. During the trial, Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, testified that Trump directed him to pay Daniels $130,000 to prevent her story from emerging just before the 2016 election. Cohen recalled Trump dismissing concerns about Melania’s reaction, saying, “Don’t worry. How long do you think I’ll be on the market for? Not long.”
In a recent interview, Trump acknowledged the toll the trial has taken on his wife. He stated, “She’s fine, but I think it’s tough for her,” adding that the legal battle was tougher on his family than on himself. Trump has maintained his innocence, calling the trial rigged and politically motivated. His legal team plans to appeal the conviction.
Daniels, reflecting on her own experience, described Trump as “an orange stain” that she will bear for a long time, likening it to a scarlet letter. “It’s like a scarlet letter but worse,” she said. Despite the conviction, Daniels expressed that the case is “not over” for her, stating, “Trump may be guilty, but I still have to live with the legacy.”
Trump’s conviction marks the first time a U.S. president has been found guilty of a crime. The charges stem from his attempts to conceal the hush money payment to Daniels, which Cohen facilitated. Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2024, just days before the Republican National Convention, where he is expected to be formally nominated as the GOP’s presidential candidate for the 2024 election.
The fallout from the conviction has been significant, with Trump’s legal troubles continuing to mount. In addition to the New York case, he faces several other legal challenges, including charges in Georgia related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and a federal case in Florida concerning the mishandling of classified documents.
Daniels’ call for Melania to leave Trump adds another layer to the public scrutiny surrounding the former first family. Melania Trump has largely remained silent throughout her husband’s legal battles, only occasionally publicly appearing. Her reaction to Daniels’ advice remains unknown.
As Trump prepares for his sentencing and continues to campaign for the presidency, the impact of his legal troubles on his political future remains uncertain. Legal experts note that the conviction does not bar him from running for office again. However, the conviction could influence voter perceptions and his ability to campaign effectively.
In her interview with the Daily Mirror, Daniels expressed relief and frustration. While she feels vindicated by the guilty verdict, she acknowledged her ongoing challenges due to her association with Trump. “It’s never going to be over for me,” she said. Daniels has also called for Trump to face additional consequences, including jail time and community service.
As the July 11 sentencing date approaches, the nation waits to see how the court’s decision will shape the future of Donald Trump and those connected to his case. The legal battles are far from over, and the ramifications of this historic conviction continue to unfold.