Thread by @BuzzFeedNews

NEW: Prominent evangelical leader and Trump supporter Jerry Falwell Jr. has, for the first time, acknowledged he and his wife put up a $1.8 million loan for a Miami Beach hostel managed by a young pool attendant he got to know at a lavish Miami hotel.

buzzfeednews.com/article/aramro…

Others involved in the deal sued, saying they were pushed out. In an affidavit, Falwell said he gave the attendant the loan so he would serve as "local manager."

Falwell didn’t say why Giancarlo Granda, age 21 when they met, was selected for the job.

Falwell played a key role in the 2016 presidential election, when he abruptly endorsed Trump and helped to deliver the overwhelming support of white Christian evangelicals.

We previously reported that Michael Cohen helped broker the crucial endorsement.
buzzfeednews.com/article/aramro…

In an unrelated case, Cohen earlier this month got 3 years in prison after pleading guilty to tax fraud, lying to Congress, and campaign finance crimes related to payments made on behalf of Trump.
buzzfeednews.com/article/amberj…

In 2012, the year Granda and Falwell developed what the lawsuit calls a “friendly relationship,” Granda was introduced to Trump at Liberty University, where he gave a convocation speech. Cohen also attended. It's unclear why Granda, who was not a Liberty student, was there.

Falwell declined to comment for this story. Cohen didn't reply.

Granda didn't provide specific answers to questions on why he was involved in the million-dollar venture. He eventually responded: “Please stop texting me. I’m studying for a final exam.”

buzzfeednews.com/article/aramro…