Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker testified in court on Tuesday, revealing shocking details about how he used the tabloid to suppress stories that could have damaged Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
Pecker, 72, admitted to engaging in a practice known as “catch and kill,” where the Enquirer paid individuals for stories about Trump’s sexual misconduct but never published them. He testified that he made the decision to bury these stories after a 2015 meeting with Trump, where he promised to publish favorable stories about the candidate and protect him from damaging allegations.
One of the stories Pecker mentioned involved former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who was paid $150,000 by the Enquirer for her story of an affair with Trump. Another story, peddled by Trump Tower doorman Dino Sajudin, claimed that Trump had fathered a child with a maid, which turned out to be false.
Pecker’s testimony is crucial in the criminal hush money trial against Trump, where he is accused of falsifying business records to cover up payments to silence women like Stormy Daniels, who alleged a sexual encounter with him.
The trial has become a focal point in the lead-up to the upcoming election, with a guilty verdict potentially damaging Trump’s candidacy. Despite Trump’s denial of any wrongdoing, prosecutors argue that his actions were meant to deceive voters and protect his reputation.
As the trial continues, Pecker is expected to provide further testimony that could have significant implications for Trump’s legal troubles and political future.