My understanding is that the $15 million is not being paid directly to Trump but will go towards Trump's presidential library. Personally, I think $15 million is a lot of money to pay for one book, but what do I know?
That is a theory. I do find it interesting, that they decided to settle after the judge ordered the go ahead to show emails and the deposition of Stephanopoulos.
If you look at all the lawsuits that Trump has delayed, including the ones that would have him tried and possibly in jail before the election, it isn't a theory.
Cost them $15M. It was not rape legally, and it was not a criminal case, it was civil case for deflamation. Standard of proof is only 51%. Criminal case would never hold up for this.
So do you consider Biden a rapist? Tara Reade claims same type of assault.