Former publisher of The National Enquirer, David Pecker, testified about hush money payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal made on behalf of Donald Trump.
Pecker acknowledged that the payments were intended to influence an election in coordination with a campaign.
Trump's defense attorney began cross-examining Pecker during the trial.
In the midst of a high-stakes Manhattan criminal trial, former President Donald Trump is facing allegations of falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments made to two women: Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. The trial, which began on April 15, has seen testimony from key figures involved in the transactions and the publication of damaging stories about Trump's extramarital affairs.
One of the most notable witnesses has been David Pecker, former publisher of The National Enquirer. Pecker testified that he was aware that hush money payments intended to influence an election – in coordination with a campaign – violated election laws. He also revealed that Trump's relationship with him predates the election and that his company had paid McDougal $150,000 for her story without any intention of publishing it.
Trump's defense attorney, Emil Bove, began cross-examining Pecker on Friday. The trial is expected to continue with more testimony from witnesses and expert witnesses in the coming days.
The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for Trump, as he could face probation or even prison time if convicted. Stay tuned for updates as the case unfolds.
(Sources: Washington Post, New York Times, Fox News)
Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to hide a payment to Stormy Daniels.
Trump could face probation or prison if convicted.
Accuracy
Former President Donald Trump's hush money trial began on April 15, 2023.
David Pecker spent hours answering questions about what he knew in 2016 about Trump, the election and election laws.
Approximately three-quarters of voters currently backing Trump against President Joe Biden in the 2024 election say they will stick with him even if he is convicted of a crime.
Pecker testified that during the 2016 election - after discussions with Trump and his attorney at the time, Michael Cohen - Pecker spent $150,000 to quash a story from Karen McDougal, a Playboy model who alleges she had an affair with Trump while he was married.
Pecker communicated the lawsuit with Cohen and ultimately gave McDougal back her rights.
Pecker spent $150,000 to quash a story from Karen McDougal about Trump's affair with her in 2016.
Pecker testified that he was aware that hush money payments intended to influence an election – in coordination with a campaign – violated election laws.
Trump's relationship with Pecker predated the election, and Pecker had been working with Trump since 1998.
Trump testified in the New York v. Trump case on Thursday.
David Pecker, former CEO of American Media Inc., testified that Trump had an agreement with Stormy Daniels where she would pay a $1 million penalty for mentioning his name.
Pecker recalled Trump expressing concern over an interview between Karen McDougal and Anderson Cooper in March 2018.
Donald Trump is on trial for falsifying 34 business records to cover up a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels
David Pecker, former publisher of The National Enquirer, testified about involvement in suppressing stories of women who claimed to have had sex with Trump: Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels
Pecker’s company paid McDougal $150,000 for her story with no intention of publishing it
