First, it is not illegal to pay somebody not to speak about something that is not illegal in the first place. While having an extra marital affair is at best, morally questionable, it is not illegal, and that’s paying somebody to be quiet about it is also not illegal.
Second, this is the Manhattan DA. He can charge anybody with state crimes. Where does he get off charging Trump for FEC violations, especially when the FCC itself did investigate this very matter, and found no cause to proceed further. In addition, the DOJ investigated this, and also found no reason to proceed further.
This DA needs to be sued for malicious prosecution, with a complaint filed with the New York State Bar. He deserves not to be a lawyer anymore. This is a naked case of abuse of prosecutorial authority.
I don’t think the charge is about paying somebody NOT to speak. Nor is it anything related to paying prostitutes.
See my Post #11 above.