Even in the world of tabloids, National Enquirer’s assistance for Trump went beyond the norm

The National Enquirer, a tabloid known for its sensational headlines and celebrity gossip, played a crucial role in Donald J. Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016. Former publisher David Pecker testified about the tabloid’s practices, revealing how it operated in coordination with the Trump campaign to suppress damaging stories and publish false hit pieces on Trump’s opponents.

The Enquirer’s support for Trump went beyond traditional journalism, as it paid $150,000 to Playboy model Karen McDougal for a story about an affair with the candidate, only to never publish it. This “catch-and-kill” deal violated campaign finance laws that prohibit corporations from donating to presidential candidates and coordinating election-related spending with campaigns.

The Enquirer’s parent company, American Media, admitted to these violations in a non-prosecution deal with the federal government in 2018. The Federal Election Commission later fined the company $187,000, but Trump’s campaign escaped sanction.

By giving Trump free advertising space on its cover, The Enquirer provided hidden value to the candidate, potentially worth millions of dollars in exposure. Additionally, the tabloid’s agreement to suppress damaging stories about Trump further benefited his campaign.

The Enquirer’s actions raise questions about the intersection of media, politics, and campaign finance laws. The tabloid’s role in the 2016 election highlights the power of media outlets to influence political outcomes and the need for transparency and accountability in campaign practices.