David Pecker Speaks Out on 'Catch and Kill' in Trump Trial
David Pecker, the former National Enquirer chief, has stepped forward to testify in Donald Trump's landmark hush-money trial, marking a significant moment in the case.
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Breaking his silence, David Pecker has finally spoken out.
The first witness to testify in Donald Trump's hush-money trial was the former National Enquirer boss. Pecker shared insights into the tabloid's operations, including the use of "catch and kill" tactics. In the Manhattan courtroom, he revealed that they used checkbook journalism and paid for stories.
Pecker publicly addressed the secret practice for the first time, which involves buying exclusive rights to a story and never publishing it. This tactic became well-known during the 2016 presidential election. The Wall Street Journal initially reported on this in November 2016, right before the election. American Media Inc., the parent company of Enquirer, paid former Playboy model Karen McDougal $150,000 for the rights to a story about her alleged affair with Trump.
Donald Trump and Michael Cohen
Donald Trump and Michael Cohen
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Pecker reportedly informed the Trump team about Stormy Daniels' plan to make her alleged affair with Trump public, leading to a $130,000 payment to keep her quiet.
Although The Journal and other media extensively covered how Pecker protected Trump from scandalous affair claims by buying the rights to damaging stories and never releasing them, Pecker had remained silent on the matter until recently.
The one-time Trump ally, who was granted immunity by prosecutors to testify in the case, only took the stand for a short period Monday, as court wrapped in the early afternoon. But during his brief time on the witness stand, Pecker confirmed a number of details that news organizations had previously reported about his operation.
Pecker mentioned that editors could spend up to $10,000 on a story, but anything beyond that required his explicit approval. He also stated that stories of significance had to be approved by him. As the then-chairman of AMI, he was informed about stories related to Trump, which would have definitely crossed his desk.
Pecker testified in court, with Trump sitting quietly as his former ally revealed details of the scheme that has landed him in legal trouble. According to the CNN team present, Pecker even smiled and greeted Trump's table as he left the witness stand. However, the former president, now in a New York courtroom instead of on the campaign trail, is unlikely to be pleased with how things have unfolded. And to make matters worse, the trial is just beginning.
Pecker is set to return to the witness stand on Tuesday when court resumes. During his testimony, he is expected to share more details about how the Enquirer, known for supporting Trump in the 2016 election, shielded the Republican frontrunner from negative stories.
By choosing Pecker as the first witness, prosecutors are counting on his testimony to reveal the conspiracy to sway the election. Although the scandalous tactics of tabloid journalism will be highlighted, Pecker disclosed on Monday that he had two email addresses - one for work and another private one for confidential emails.
Given his close friendship with Trump, Pecker’s private inbox of salacious tabloid secrets could hold the key to Trump’s legal fate.
Editor's P/S:
The testimony of David Pecker in the Donald Trump hush-money trial has shed light on the controversial practices of tabloid journalism. Pecker, the former National Enquirer boss, has admitted to using "catch and kill" tactics, where exclusive rights to damaging stories are bought and never published. This revelation has confirmed previous reports about the lengths to which the tabloid went to protect Trump from negative coverage during the 2016 presidential election.
Pecker's testimony is significant because he was granted immunity by prosecutors to testify. His willingness to break his silence and provide details about the Enquirer's operations suggests that he may have more information to share that could further implicate Trump. The trial is ongoing, and Pecker is expected to return to the witness stand to provide additional insights into the alleged conspiracy to influence the election. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Trump's legal future, as well as for the reputation of tabloid journalism.
