Lawyers for Donald J. Trump cross-examined former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker on Friday during a trial concerning salacious stories about the former president. The defense sought to cast doubt on Pecker’s testimony that he suppressed these stories as a favor to Trump. Pecker faced grilling about transactions with individuals selling stories about Trump, as well as discrepancies in his statements. Pecker admitted to inconsistencies but maintained that he had been truthful in his testimony. The prosecution aims to prove that Trump was part of a conspiracy to bury negative stories and falsified records to conceal hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels.
Pecker’s testimony was followed by other key witnesses, including Rhona Graff and Gary Farro, who provided less dramatic testimony than Pecker. Graff, Trump’s former executive assistant, provided information from the Trump Organization computer system related to Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels. Farro, Michael Cohen’s banker, testified about financial transactions in relation to the hush money payment to Daniels. Friday marked the end of the trial’s first week, and Farro is expected to continue his testimony when court resumes. Pecker’s testimony detailed a covert propaganda operation for Trump in which he agreed to promote Trump’s candidacy and watch for potentially damaging stories.
During cross-examination, the defense sought to portray Pecker’s dealings with Trump as standard tabloid practices rather than a coordinated effort to assist Trump’s campaign. Pecker was pressed on an agreement with McDougal, and details of the $150,000 payment she received. Despite aggressive questioning from the defense, Pecker remained composed. He outlined the tabloid’s methods and practices, highlighting the unique efforts made to suppress negative stories about Trump. Pecker described Trump’s efforts to quash rumors about his personal life through Cohen, painting a picture of a candidate deeply concerned about his public image.
The trial, which is the first to involve a former U.S. president, centers on allegations of falsified records related to hush money payments made by Cohen to Daniels. Trump denies the charges and has labeled the prosecution as a witch hunt. The trial, which has drawn significant media attention, comes amid a series of other legal challenges faced by Trump, including additional indictments and investigations. Despite his court appearances in New York, Trump has continued to campaign and maintain a public presence. The trial is expected to continue to be a focal point of political and legal interest, with potential implications for future legal proceedings involving Trump.
