David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, testified in former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial in Manhattan Criminal Court, revealing new information about a meeting in 2015 that prosecutors say was the catalyst for Trump’s plan to influence the 2016 presidential election. Pecker served as the CEO of American Media Inc (AMI) for over 20 years and testified that he had known Trump since the late ’80s, describing their relationship as “great” and recalling how Trump had introduced him to other high-profile individuals and invited him to parties and events. Pecker testified that he was asked by Trump and former fixer Michael Cohen in 2015 to help the campaign by running positive stories about Trump and negative stories about his opponents.
At the center of the case is a meeting that prosecutors allege took place in Trump Tower in August 2015 between Trump, Pecker, and Cohen, during which they supposedly orchestrated a cover-up to interfere with the presidential election by concealing negative information about Trump. Pecker testified that he agreed to help the campaign by running positive stories about Trump and negative stories about his opponents. He also said he would be the “eyes and ears” for the campaign and notify Cohen if he heard any negative stories about Trump being shopped around. Pecker indicated that he anticipated women coming forward to sell their stories about Trump, given his reputation as a ladies’ man.
During his testimony, Pecker shared details about the National Enquirer’s involvement in the 2016 presidential election, including purchasing a story from a doorman at Trump Tower who claimed Trump had fathered an illegitimate child with the maid of his penthouse apartment. Pecker also mentioned the story of former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who alleged a romantic relationship with Trump, and explained that the National Enquirer bought her story but did not release it until after the election at the direction of Cohen. Pecker confirmed that the National Enquirer ran negative stories about Democrat Hillary Clinton at Trump’s request.
Pecker’s testimony shed light on the inner workings of the relationship between Trump, Pecker, and Cohen, and the role that the National Enquirer played in promoting positive stories about Trump and negative stories about his opponents during the 2016 presidential campaign. Pecker described a meeting with Trump and Cohen where they discussed ways to help the campaign, including running stories in the National Enquirer to benefit Trump and harm his opponents. Pecker also discussed specific instances where the National Enquirer purchased stories that were later found to be false but were kept confidential until after the election.
Pecker’s testimony highlighted the close relationship between Trump and the National Enquirer and the extent to which the tabloid was willing to go to support Trump’s campaign. The case revolves around allegations that Trump orchestrated the payment of hush money to Stormy Daniels, among others, in exchange for their silence about alleged affairs with him. Trump has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Pecker’s testimony is seen as crucial in establishing Trump’s involvement in the scheme and the extent to which he sought to manipulate the 2016 presidential election. The trial is ongoing, and Pecker is expected to continue his testimony in the coming days.
