Report: Feds' Trump campaign case is 'dead'

When Donald Trump lost the legal shield of the presidency last month, some pundits speculated federal prosecutors might revive an investigation that implicated him in possible campaign finance crimes during his 2016 run for office.

But several people involved in the case say the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan has made no move to restart the hush-money probe that once dogged Trump's presidency and sent his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to prison.

In fact, an attorney for one key witness described the investigation as "dead," adding prosecutors have even returned certain evidence they collected — a likely indication no one else will be charged. The attorney spoke on the condition of anonymity because prosecutors have not discussed the case publicly.

One current and one former law enforcement official told The Associated Press that factors beyond presidential immunity prevented Trump from being charged for his role in buying the silence of Karen McDougal and porn actress Stormy Daniels, who claimed they'd had extramarital affairs with him.

Trump's departure from office has not altered that equation, said the officials, who weren't authorized to discuss internal deliberations and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Trump still faces a minefield of other potential legal issues on top of his second impeachment trial opening next week, including investigations of his business practices by the Manhattan district attorney and the New York attorney general.