Trump’s Legal Team Takes Unusual Step in Investigation Into Hush Money Payments to Stormy Daniels

Former President Donald Trump’s legal team is taking an unusual step in the ongoing investigation into hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. On Monday, Trump’s legal team requested that the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office call a witness to testify before the grand jury, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The witness, attorney Robert Costello, has represented Trump allies such as Steve Bannon and Rudy Giuliani, and is appearing before the grand jury at the request of Trump’s legal team. Costello told CNN that he is appearing before the grand jury at the request of Trump’s legal team.

MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow called out Trump for trying to “raise the civic cost of indicting him” after he claimed he’d be arrested on Tuesday and demanded supporters “PROTEST” and “TAKE OUR NATION BACK.” Maddow told network host Jonathan Capehart on Saturday that she doesn’t think there’s been “a clear view” of Trump’s legal defense but warned that he’s looking to create fear of potential violence.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is investigating Trump’s alleged role in the hush money payments. Trump’s legal team is reportedly attempting to use Costello’s testimony to discredit Cohen’s credibility, as Cohen was the one who made the payments to Daniels.

It is unclear what the outcome of the grand jury proceedings will be, but Trump’s legal team’s move to call a witness is an unusual one. It remains to be seen how the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office will respond to the request.