Trump wanted to "hush" Stormy Daniels and Susan McDugal from telling the voting public he had sex with the two of them. Trump conspired with David Pecker to "catch and kill" any such stories, as well as to make up "fake news" against his political rivals, like Ted Cruz.
These efforts to influence the election were a violation of FEC and NYS laws.
Contributions are the most common source of campaign support. A contribution is anything of value given, loaned or advanced to influence a federal election. Information on types of contributions including monetary, in-kind contributions, earmarked contributions, and proceeds from sales.
www.fec.gov
Contributions are the most common source of campaign support.
A contribution is anything of value given, loaned or advanced to influence a federal election.s
Contributions are subject to the Act’s source prohibitions.
Contributions are subject to the Act’s amount limitations.
The $130,000 paid to Stormy Daniels and the $150,000 to Karen McDugal were campaign contributions, and required to be reported to the FEC.
Not only weren't they reported, but Trump made up business records in order to keep the FEC from finding out, and to avoid NYS taxes claiming the bribes were business expenses.