The guiding Trumpian principle is to use the legal system as part of a public relations campaign. The papers proceed with this aim to take an added twist, suggesting Daniels—who had a consensual relationship with Trump—has a certain kinship with the women who came forward after his bragging about grabbing women reached public attention.

“Within days of the publication of the Access Hollywood Tape, several women came forward publicly to tell their personal stories about their sexual encounters with Mr. Trump,” the papers say. “Around this time, Ms. Clifford likewise sought to share details concerning her relationship and encounters with Mr. Trump with various media outlets.”

The papers report that word of those efforts reached Trump and Cohen. The papers portray Daniels as a kind of victim.who was pressured not to hamper Trump’s effort to become the next president.