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Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Tuesday said former President Trump’s payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016 involved “personal money,” an apparent attempt to minimize the Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation into the matter after Trump said he expects to be arrested this week.
McCarthy’s comments came during a press conference on legislative priorities at the House GOP’s annual issues retreat in Orlando. The New York prosecutor is looking into Trump’s role in directing hush money payments in the lead up to the 2016 election.
“This was personal money,” McCarthy told reporters when he was asked if he has concerns with the allegations Trump is facing in Manhattan.
“This was seven years ago, statute of limitation. And I think in your heart of hearts you know too, that you think this is just political. And I think that’s what the rest of the country thinks. And we’re kind of tired of that,” he added.
Trump set off a political firestorm over the weekend when he suggested, in a Truth Social post, that he would be arrested on Tuesday in connection to the Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation. Trump also called on his followers to “PROTEST” and “TAKE OUR NATION BACK.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) signaled earlier this month that Trump may face criminal charges as part of his probe when the office offered the former president the chance to testify before a grand jury.
