Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified on Tuesday in Donald Trump‘s trial, revealing how the tabloid suppressed potentially damaging stories about Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign.
Pecker, aged 72, disclosed that the Enquirer paid individuals with tales of Trump’s sexual misconduct but never published them, employing a tactic known as “catch and kill.”
He explained that such actions were common during political campaigns, as women often approached magazines like the Enquirer to sell their stories.
Pecker detailed a meeting in 2015 where he assured Trump of favorable coverage and promised to shield him from negative publicity.
The Enquirer paid former Playboy model Karen McDougal $150,000 for her story of an affair with Trump, as he declined to purchase it himself.
Another payment of $30,000 was made for a false story about Trump fathering a child, which Pecker admitted was to prevent campaign embarrassment.
Prosecutors argue that these actions deceived voters and aimed to cover up a $130,000 payment to silence porn star Stormy Daniels over an alleged affair. Trump denies wrongdoing, asserting he acted to preserve his reputation.
The trial is pivotal for Trump’s electoral prospects, although a guilty verdict wouldn’t bar him from office. Pecker’s testimony followed a hearing on prosecutors’ request to fine Trump $10,000 for breaching a gag order.
Justice Juan Merchan expressed skepticism towards Trump’s defense, questioning the lack of evidence supporting his claims.
Trump’s posts on social media criticizing witnesses have drawn scrutiny, prompting calls for penalties. Prosecutor Christopher Conroy argued Trump’s defiance of the gag order was intentional and warranted a fine, though jail time wasn’t pursued.
As Trump’s trial unfolds, tensions rise over perceived judicial bias and free speech infringement claims. The case holds significant implications for both Trump and the legal precedent surrounding presidential accountability and free speech rights.
