Key Revelations in Donald Trump’s Hush Money Trial
Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker’s testimony in Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial shed light on the intricate web of hush money payments and efforts to suppress negative stories.
Pecker’s Involvement in Hush Money Payments
- Pecker finalized a $150,000 deal with a former Playboy model who claimed to have had an affair with Trump.
- He detailed his role in hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels, revealing Trump’s attempts to suppress unfavorable stories.
Pecker’s Actions to Protect Trump
- Pecker discussed efforts to bury negative stories and shield Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
- He disclosed the tactic of “catch and kill,” including buying rights to Karen McDougal’s story but never publishing it to avoid association with a porn star.
Pecker’s Testimony on McDougal and Daniels Deals
- Pecker bought exclusive rights to McDougal’s story for $150,000 to prevent embarrassment to Trump and his campaign.
- He brokered Michael Cohen’s $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, a transaction linked to Trump’s legal troubles.
Other Catch-and-Kill Deals
- Pecker revealed past catch-and-kill arrangements, including suppressing stories for Rep. Rahm Emanuel and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- He shared insights into agreements made to protect public figures from damaging revelations.
