A former tabloid publisher and key witness for the prosecution testified that he bought stories Professional golfer Tiger Woods, Obama’s former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel and others under questioning by former President Trump’s defense attorneys.
Prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office brought their first witness, David Pecker, to the stand for the third day Thursday.
Pecker is the former CEO of American Media Inc., parent company of publications like the National Enquirer, who has known Trump since the 1980s. Prosecutors allege that Pecker worked with the Trump campaign to suppress negative information about Trump before the 2016 election. Trump is accused of falsifying records related to the alleged “catch and kill” scheme.
David Pecker is questioned during the criminal trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump on charges that he falsified business records to hide money he paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in this courtroom sketch In Manhattan state court in New York City, US on April 23, 2024. , (Reuters/Jane Rosenberg)
Pecker testified that he purchased negative stories about Trump before the 2016 election and did not publish them – in what became known as a “catch and kill” scheme. The stories included allegations by adult film actress Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal about affairs with Trump.
New York prosecutors uncover ‘another crime’ as Trump allegedly tried to hide false business records
Regarding negative stories coming out about Trump before the election, Pecker testified that Trump was worried about what his family would say about it, especially about how it would affect his wife Melania Trump and daughter. What impact will it have on Ivanka Trump?
Tiger Woods of the United States plays his shot from the 13th tee during the second round of The Players Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 11, 2018 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Pecker also testified that Trump was concerned about what the impact would be on his campaign in 2016.
But under cross-examination by Trump defense lawyer Emile Bové, Pecker testified that he bought stories about other high-profile individuals besides Trump.
Pecker testified that he purchased a story about professional golfer Tiger Woods and a story about Rahm Emanuel after he left the Obama White House in 2009. Pecker said that he had bought the story about the alleged affair with Emanuel so that it would not be published. Emanuel also later served as ambassador to Japan.
Trump trial: Former president ‘innocent’, defense says, DA alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’
Pecker also testified that he worked with Trump attorney Michael Cohen as the former president’s personal attorney — not as part of the 2016 campaign.
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel speaks during his visit to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ F-35 fighter jet final assembly and inspection plant in Toyoyama, Aichi Prefecture, western Japan, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (US Embassy via AP)
Pecker testified that American Media Inc., owner of the National Enquirer, testified that before purchasing stories, the company would check their authenticity. He also testified that there were instances that AMI would buy a story to use as leverage.
When asked if this was the standard, Pecker testified: “Yes.”
Pecker also said Thursday that Trump “was my mentor.”
Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer to US President Donald Trump, outside federal court in New York, US, on Thursday, December 14, 2023. (Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“He’s helped me throughout my career,” Pecker said, adding that Trump often the first one to call him When he needed help.
Pekar said, “Even though we haven’t spoken, I still consider him a friend.”
David Pecker, President and CEO of American Media, speaks at the Shape & Men’s Fitness Super Bowl Party in New York City, US, on January 31, 2014. (Reuters/Marion Curtis/file photo)
Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Bragg alleges that Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen paid hush money to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal to prevent them from sharing their stories about alleged affairs with Trump. Bragg is trying to prove that Trump knew about those payments, and allegedly falsified records of the payments to Cohen as “legal expenses” rather than repayment of hush money.
New York vs. Trump: Prosecutors can present evidence if former president testifies
Trump has pleaded not guilty on all counts and told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview on Thursday that he was only paying Cohen’s legal fees because Cohen was his lawyer.
Bragg also accused American Media Inc., of which Pecker was CEO, of allegedly using “catch and kill” tactics to bury stories – particularly Karen McDougal’s stories. Bragg and prosecutors tried to convince the jury that Pecker’s actions were done with the blessing of Trump’s 2016 campaign.
Click here to get the Fox News app
However, Pecker testified that he had worked with Cohen as Trump’s personal attorney.
Pekar’s cross-examination is expected to continue Friday morning.
