Former tabloid publisher David Pecker testified as a key witness for the prosecution in the trial involving former President Trump. Pecker detailed his involvement in a “catch and kill” scheme where he purchased negative stories about Trump, including allegations from adult film actress Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal, before the 2016 election and did not publish them. Pecker also purchased stories about other high-profile individuals, such as professional golfer Tiger Woods and former Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, to prevent them from being published. Pecker testified that Trump was concerned about the impact these stories would have on his family and his campaign during the 2016 election.
Pecker worked closely with Trump attorney Michael Cohen in his capacity as Trump’s personal attorney, not as part of the 2016 campaign. He testified that before purchasing stories, American Media Inc., the parent company of publications like the National Enquirer, would vet them for truthfulness. Pecker also said that AMI would sometimes purchase stories to use as leverage. He described Trump as his mentor and friend who had helped him throughout his career, despite not having spoken to him in some time. Pecker’s testimony is a crucial part of the prosecution’s case alleging that Trump falsified records related to the “catch and kill” scheme involving allegations of extramarital affairs.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Bragg alleges that Cohen orchestrated these payments to prevent the women from sharing their stories about alleged affairs with Trump, and that Trump was aware of the payments but falsely recorded them as legal fees. The prosecution is trying to prove that Trump’s involvement in the scheme goes beyond just the payments themselves and extends to falsifying records to conceal the nature of the transactions. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains that he was simply paying Cohen for legal services.
The trial has focused on the relationship between Trump, Pecker, and Cohen, as well as the broader strategy of using the “catch and kill” tactic to bury negative stories about prominent individuals. Pecker’s testimony has shed light on the inner workings of this practice, including how stories would be vetted for truthfulness and sometimes purchased to be used as leverage. The prosecution is attempting to show that Trump’s involvement in these activities was not limited to his personal relationships, but was part of a larger effort to protect his public image and political aspirations. Pecker’s cross-examination is underway, and further details are expected to emerge as the trial continues.
The defense has maintained that Trump’s actions were lawful and that any payments made were for legitimate legal services. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and insisted that he was not aware of any falsification of records or illegal activity related to the hush money payments. Pecker’s testimony is crucial in establishing the connection between Trump, Cohen, and the “catch and kill” scheme, and the prosecution will continue to present additional evidence to support their case. The trial is ongoing, and the outcome will determine whether Trump will face consequences for his alleged involvement in the scheme to silence negative stories about him.
