Former National Enquirer Publisher Testifies in Trump Hush Money Trial
Former US president Donald Trump’s attorneys attempted to discredit former tabloid publisher David Pecker over his claims that his news outlet tried to suppress damaging information during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
Pecker’s Testimony
- Pecker testified that he collaborated with Trump’s campaign to suppress allegations of adultery.
- He stated that his tabloid paid to “catch and kill” two stories related to Trump.
Trump’s Defence
Trump’s lawyer, Emil Bove, raised discrepancies in Pecker’s testimony, questioning whether Trump had thanked Pecker for handling negative stories, as Pecker claimed. Bove highlighted a conflicting report by FBI agents who stated that Trump did not express gratitude.
Pecker’s Arguments
- Pecker argued that it was common for major celebrities to seek Enquirer’s help in managing their public image.
- He mentioned assisting other celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tiger Woods in the past.
Pecker recalled how his paper had assisted Trump in 1998 by alerting him to a negative story involving his then-wife, Marla Maples.
Legal Proceedings
The hush money trial, where 12 jurors and six alternates are present, revolves around Trump allegedly falsifying business records and making payments to a porn star to conceal an extramarital affair before the elections.
Prosecutors claim that the alleged arrangement between Trump and Pecker corrupted the 2016 elections. Justice Juan Merchan is yet to rule on gag order violations by Trump, which could result in a fine of $10,000.
