Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Stormy Daniels

Public opinion and media debates around Stormy Daniels—discover key moments of controversy.

Stormy Daniels, born Stephanie A. Gregory Clifford, is an American pornographic film actress, director, and former stripper. Recognized for her contributions to the adult film industry, she's an inductee of the NightMoves, AVN, XRCO, and Vanity Fair Halls of Fame. In 2009, she briefly considered a run for the U.S. Senate in Louisiana against incumbent David Vitter during the 2010 election cycle.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2006: Affair with Donald Trump

In 2006, Stormy Daniels reportedly had an affair with Donald Trump, which later became the subject of a legal dispute and hush money payment.

May 21, 2009: Formed Exploratory Committee for Senate Run

On May 21, 2009, Stormy Daniels formed an exploratory committee for a potential Senate run, motivated by revelations about David Vitter's connections to a prostitution ring.

July 2009: Arrested for Domestic Violence

In July 2009, Stormy Daniels was arrested on a domestic violence charge by Michael Mosny.

August 2009: Campaign Manager's Car Blown Up

In August 2009, the car of Stormy Daniels' campaign manager was blown up, though no one was injured.

2009: Considered Senate Run

In 2009, Stormy Daniels considered challenging David Vitter in the 2010 Senate election in Louisiana.

April 6, 2010: Declared Republican Candidacy

On April 6, 2010, Stormy Daniels declared herself a Republican candidate, influenced by the RNC's expenses at a "lesbian bondage themed nightclub".

April 15, 2010: Announced She Would Not Run

On April 15, 2010, Stormy Daniels announced she would not run for Senate due to cost and lack of media seriousness.

2010: Considered Senate Run

In 2010, Stormy Daniels contemplated a run for the U.S. Senate in Louisiana, spurred by revelations about the Republican National Committee's expenses.

October 2016: Hush Money Payment

In October 2016, Michael Cohen paid Stormy Daniels $130,000 to deny an affair with Donald Trump that allegedly happened in 2006.

January 2018: Affair Reported by the Wall Street Journal

In January 2018, the Wall Street Journal reported the affair and payoff between Stormy Daniels and Donald Trump.

March 6, 2018: Filed Lawsuit Against Trump

On March 6, 2018, Stormy Daniels filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump, claiming the non-disclosure agreement was invalid as Trump never signed it and that his attorney had been intimidating her.

March 25, 2018: 60 Minutes Interview

On March 25, 2018, Stormy Daniels stated in a 60 Minutes interview that she and Trump had sex once and she felt threatened to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

April 9, 2018: FBI Raided Cohen's Office

On April 9, 2018, FBI agents raided Michael Cohen's office and seized records relating to payments to Stormy Daniels.

April 30, 2018: Filed Lawsuit Against Trump for Libel

On April 30, 2018, Stormy Daniels filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump on libel charges due to his statements calling her statements "fraud".

July 12, 2018: Arrested in Columbus, Ohio

On July 12, 2018, Stormy Daniels was arrested in Columbus, Ohio, accused of violating strip club laws.

August 2018: Cohen's Plea Deal

In August 2018, Michael Cohen reached a plea deal, stating he paid Stormy Daniels at the direction of a candidate to influence the election.

September 2018: Offered to Invalidate NDA

In September 2018, Michael Cohen offered to invalidate the non-disclosure agreement with Stormy Daniels if she refunded the $130,000 payment.

October 2018: Libel Suit Dismissed

In October 2018, Stormy Daniels' libel suit against Donald Trump was dismissed on First Amendment grounds.

2018: Legal Dispute with Donald Trump

In 2018, Stormy Daniels became involved in a legal dispute with Donald Trump concerning a payment of $130,000 made by Trump's attorney, Michael Cohen, to silence her about an alleged affair in 2006.

January 2019: Filed Suit Against Columbus

In January 2019, Stormy Daniels filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Columbus, alleging politically motivated arrest.

March 2019: Police Investigation Found Arrest Improper

In March 2019, an internal police investigation found that Stormy Daniels' arrest was improper but not premeditated or political.

August 2019: Officers Faced Punishment for Arrest

In August 2019, five Columbus police officers faced departmental punishment for their roles in the arrest of Stormy Daniels.

September 2019: Settled Lawsuit with Columbus

In September 2019, Stormy Daniels settled her federal lawsuit against the City of Columbus for $450,000.

August 2020: Appeal Lost in Libel Case

In August 2020, Stormy Daniels lost her appeal in the libel case against Donald Trump.

2022: Vowed Not to Pay Legal Fees

As of 2022, Stormy Daniels vowed not to pay the over $600,000 she was ordered to pay to Donald Trump's law firm due to the defamation suit.

2023: Lost Appeal to Reduce Payment

In 2023, Stormy Daniels lost her appeal to reduce the payment for Donald Trump's legal fees, and was ordered to further pay $120,000.

April 15, 2024: Trump Trial Begins

On April 15, 2024, the trial began in New York City, in which Donald Trump faced 34 felony charges of falsifying business records relating to hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels.

May 7, 2024: Daniels Testifies at Trump Trial

On May 7, 2024, Stormy Daniels testified at Donald Trump's trial, describing her reported sexual encounter and year-long relationship with Trump.

May 13, 2024: Cohen Confirms Details About NDA

On May 13, 2024, during trial testimony, Michael Cohen confirmed details about the non-disclosure agreement, including the $1,000,000 penalty for violating the agreement.