In the ongoing hush-money trial involving former President Donald Trump, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker is set to testify for the fourth time. Pecker played a key role in coordinating hush-money payments during the 2016 election to suppress negative stories about Trump.
He has already testified that his company, American Media Inc (AMI), paid $30,000 to a former Trump Tower doorman who claimed Trump had an illegitimate child. Additionally, $150,000 was paid to former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who alleged having an affair with Trump in 2006. Another payment of $130,000 was made by Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors have charged Trump with falsifying business records related to this payment.
During cross-examination by Trump’s lawyer Emil Bove, it was revealed that AMI had a longstanding relationship with Trump even before the election, and that buying stories and not publishing them was a common practice for the tabloid. However, Bove also questioned Pecker’s memory regarding when he first met Trump about his campaign. Throughout the week, Pecker had described his role as the “eyes and ears” for Trump’s campaign and had promised to alert Trump and Cohen of any attempts to sell negative stories about Trump. All of this testimony has helped the prosecution, and weakens Trump’s chances of winning.
We will keep you updated on this fast moving case, on Fan Reviews News.
