Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified in Donald Trump‘s trial, admitting he suppressed a story to boost Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, although it would have been tabloid gold.
Pecker, in his third day of testimony, agreed it would have been lucrative to publish the story of former Playboy model Karen McDougal’s affair with Trump, but he opted against it to support Trump’s election prospects.
The revelation strengthens prior testimony indicating Pecker coordinated with Trump’s campaign to suppress allegations of adultery amid multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against the then-presidential candidate.
The trial alleges Trump falsified business records to conceal hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, to which Trump has pleaded not guilty.
Pecker disclosed that his tabloid paid for the rights to two unpublished stories, following a practice termed “catch and kill.” He also informed Trump about Daniels’ intention to sell her story of a sexual encounter with him.
Meanwhile, Rhona Graff, Trump’s former business assistant, testified she encountered Daniels at Trump Tower before his presidential bid and heard Trump express interest in casting her for his reality TV show, “The Apprentice.”
Banker Gary Farro testified that Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, established accounts for two shell companies, including one used to pay Daniels, shortly before the election.
Pecker’s cross-examination aimed to undermine his credibility, questioning inconsistencies in his testimony regarding Trump’s gratitude and highlighting Pecker’s checkbook journalism beyond Trump, such as paying women for stories during Arnold Schwarzenegger’s gubernatorial campaign.
Prosecutors argue Pecker’s arrangement with Trump corrupted the 2016 election, and Trump is the first former president to face criminal charges.
The trial, expected to last until May, might be the only one of Trump’s four prosecutions concluded before his election rematch with Joe Biden.
