Donald J. Trump faced a difficult day in court as a judge criticized his attorney’s credibility and a key witness, David Pecker, revealed details of a 2015 meeting at Trump Tower. Prosecutors claimed that Trump, Pecker, and Michael Cohen conspired to cover up sex scandals during Trump’s 2016 campaign, resulting in tabloids buying and burying damaging stories about Trump. Pecker’s testimony shed light on the meeting and the practice of “catch and kill,” where stories are bought but never published to protect reputations. The trial also addressed Trump’s alleged involvement in a hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels during the campaign.
In a tense hearing, prosecutors argued that Trump violated a gag order by attacking witnesses and jurors on social media and his campaign website. The judge indicated that Trump was losing credibility with the court. The trial focuses on Cohen’s $130,000 payment to Daniels at Trump’s direction and the false records Trump allegedly used to disguise the reimbursement. With three other criminal cases against him postponed, the Manhattan trial may be the only one to reach a verdict before the election.
Trump’s legal team faced scrutiny for his social media attacks on witnesses and jurors, with prosecutors seeking fines for each violation of the gag order. Despite claims that Trump’s posts were political rather than personal attacks, the judge questioned the credibility of the defense and highlighted Trump’s history of spreading falsehoods online. The case, in its early stages, is marked by political tensions and Trump’s efforts to challenge the legal system amidst his indictment.
The prosecution’s first witness, David Pecker, testified about his close relationship with Trump, particularly during the 2016 campaign. Pecker described how Cohen would frequently contact him to suppress negative stories about Trump, including allegations of fathering a child out of wedlock and affairs with women. The defense may attempt to discredit Cohen and distance Trump from the conspiracy, but Pecker’s testimony pointed to Trump’s direct involvement in their efforts to protect his reputation.
Pecker’s testimony revealed details of how the National Enquirer collaborated with the Trump campaign by promoting favorable stories and spiking negative ones about Trump’s Republican primary opponents. The tabloid’s coverage included sensational headlines about opponents like Ted Cruz and Ben Carson, showcasing their strategy to boost Trump’s image while undermining competitors. Pecker also anticipated women selling stories about Trump due to his reputation as a wealthy and eligible bachelor, highlighting the tabloid’s preparedness.
The trial’s media spectacle and Trump’s confrontations with the legal system underscore the challenges he faces as he seeks to regain political power while facing multiple criminal charges. Prosecutors argued that Trump’s attacks on witnesses and jurors pose a threat to a fair trial, prompting the judge to consider fines for his violations of the gag order. The trial delves into the intricacies of Trump’s alleged involvement in the hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels and his efforts to conceal damaging stories during his campaign, setting the stage for a high-profile legal battle ahead.
