FBI sought 'Access Hollywood' tape records in Trump lawyer raids
NEW YORK - The federal agents that executed search warrants on the office and hotel room of President Trump's personal attorney this week were seeking documents related to the infamous 2005 "Access Hollywood" tape featuring Trump's vulgar comments about women, Fox News confirmed on Wednesday.
Monday's search was aimed at obtaining evidence that attorney Michael Cohen attempted to suppress harmful material about Trump ahead of the 2016 presidential election, multiple people briefed on the warrant reportedly claimed.
Federal authorities are reportedly investigating Cohen for bank and wire fraud and possible campaign contribution regulations.
Agents are seeking records related to the tape in an apparent effort to connect the dots between the recording and subsequent efforts to potentially silence others ahead of the election.
That could cast the $130,000 payment Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in a new light. Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.
Trump is furious over the FBI searches. He has been directing his anger, in part, at U.S. Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller, whose office contacted the U.S. attorney in Manhattan after making a discovery of possible illegal activity that falls outside the scope of his Russia election meddling investigation.
Trump has repeatedly warned that investigating his personal business as part of the Russia probe would cross a red line. The president had been planning to make a decision this week about whether to talk with Mueller's team. But now insiders are saying that probably won't happen.