"If there is evidence that Cohen intended to influence the election by preventing voters from learning of Trump’s alleged affair,
then the $130,000 payment is an illegal contribution — whether or not it was repaid.
Federal law states that a personal loan or “anything of value made by any person for the purpose of influencing any election for Federal office is a contribution.” (
an individual is considered a campaign contribution — subject to the limits of individual donations to candidate committees. That limit was $2,700 per elecBank loans and
lines of credit are treated differently under the law than individual loans or gifts.)
A loan from an individual is considered a campaign contribution — subject to the limits of individual donations to candidate committees. That limit was
$2,700 per election in 2016, meaning that Cohen may have exceeded the limit by more than $127,000.
“A loan that exceeds the contribution limitations of 52 U.S.C. 30116 and 11 CFR part 110 shall be unlawful whether or not it is repaid,”
according to the Federal Election Commission.