New York City, USA – Former American Media Inc. chairman David Pecker testified in Donald Trump’s hush money case, shedding light on the payment made to Karen McDougal to keep her alleged affair with Trump under wraps. Pecker’s decision not to pay for Stormy Daniels’ story resulted in Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, stepping in to cover the costs.
During a three-day testimony, Pecker detailed his collaboration with Trump and Cohen to acquire damaging stories about Trump during the 2016 campaign. This testimony serves as a cornerstone for the Manhattan district attorney’s case against Trump, specifically focusing on the payment to Daniels.
Despite denying any involvement in affairs with McDougal and Daniels, Trump faced the courtroom in downtown Manhattan. Judge Juan Merchan’s decision to reject Trump’s request to attend Supreme Court arguments on presidential immunity led to his presence in court. Following the day’s proceedings, Trump criticized the case, describing the testimony as “breathtaking and amazing.”
When asked about the possibility of testifying, Trump expressed willingness “if it’s necessary.” Merchan refrained from issuing a ruling on whether Trump violated the gag order, as prosecutors presented further instances of alleged violations, including comments made by Trump about Pecker.
Meanwhile, Trump’s attorneys commenced the cross-examination of Pecker, a process expected to continue the next day. Pecker’s revelations included the financing of a catch-and-kill scheme to suppress McDougal’s story, his interactions with Trump regarding such deals, and the repercussions of these stories going public.
Furthermore, Pecker disclosed Trump’s keen interest in McDougal’s well-being after he was elected, highlighting a complex relationship between the two. The attorney Emil Bove delved into Pecker’s practices of suppressing stories for business purposes, establishing a pattern of collaboration between AMI and various celebrities.
As the trial unfolds, new revelations and testimonies offer a deeper understanding of the intricate ties between key players in the hush money case. The legal proceedings continue to unravel the complexities surrounding Trump’s alleged involvement in these clandestine payments.