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Letter: A few questions about that $130,000 ‘payment’ to Stormy Daniels

(Matt Sayles | The Associated Press) In this Feb. 11, 2007, file photo, Stormy Daniels arrives for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. President Donald Trump's personal attorney says he paid $130,000 out of his own pocket to a porn actress who allegedly had a sexual relationship with Trump in 2006. Michael Cohen tells The New York Times he was not reimbursed by the Trump Organization or the Trump campaign for the payment to Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.

Is it reasonable to believe that Trump attorney Michael Cohen paid $130,000 in hush money to porn actress “Stormy Daniels” from his own pocket so she would not divulge a 2006 sexual liaison with the thrice-married philanderer-in-chief? Not hardly. In the unlikely event it did happen, wouldn’t this generous gift be considered income to Trump? Did he, as he should have, report it to the IRS? Was it cited as a gift, loss or expense by Cohen or his firm in his reporting?

Surely this matter could be cleared up quickly by a release of tax returns. Unfortunately that is as improbable as Cohen’s version of events.

Jim Stava, Salt Lake City