As Donald Trump’s criminal trial progresses into its second week, the prosecution is presenting witnesses who can testify to Trump’s personal involvement in the alleged crime at the case’s core.
However, one key witness, longtime Trump Organization financial controller Allen Weisselberg, won’t be available due to a recent perjury plea deal. Nonetheless, documents obtained by The Daily Beast indicate that Weisselberg left behind crucial evidence.
Ex-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg (Credits: 6ABC)
The prosecution plans to showcase Weisselberg’s handwritten notes documenting the alleged fraudulent reimbursement scheme Trump is accused of orchestrating. Beyond this, other documents suggest Weisselberg’s unique position—he not only managed Trump Org’s finances but also advised the campaign simultaneously.
Records Suggest Weisselberg’s Familiarity with FEC Filings
Although Federal Election Commission records don’t reflect campaign payments to Weisselberg, internal Trumpworld emails reveal his substantial contribution to the 2016 campaign, a detail not previously reported.
Additionally, these records indicate Weisselberg’s familiarity with FEC filings, which is essential to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case, alleging campaign finance violations related to the Stormy Daniels payoff.
Weisselberg, who recently pleaded guilty to perjury and previously faced tax fraud charges, is known to have played a crucial role in coordinating payments to Daniels.
However, his deep involvement with the campaign was previously undisclosed. An email from former senior Trump campaign aide Rick Gates in 2017 praised Weisselberg’s assistance during the campaign.
Subsequent emails show Weisselberg’s involvement in auditing the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s finances after the election, highlighting his knowledge of FEC reports. This revelation contradicts the perception that Weisselberg’s involvement with the campaign ended after the election.
Donald Trump (Credits: Biography (Bio.))
Weisselberg’s advisory role and audit work for the PIC suggest his understanding of campaign finance regulations, including in-kind contributions.
These contributions, such as donated services or goods, must be reported and accounted for. While FEC filings show no in-kind contributions from Weisselberg or payments to him for his advisory role, they do reveal Trump’s own reported in-kind contributions to his campaign.
Weisselberg’s ties to the Trump campaign extend beyond financial matters, as evidenced by his involvement in payments made through the Trump Foundation that contributed to legal scrutiny and fines. The documents shed light on Weisselberg’s dual role and raise questions about potential unreported contributions and campaign finance violations.
