Pecker Testifies: Trump’s Role in Hush Money Payments for McDougal and Daniels Revealed at Criminal Trial

During former American Media Inc. Chairman David Pecker’s testimony at Donald Trump’s hush money trial, he detailed how AMI paid for Karen McDougal’s story to keep her quiet about their alleged affair during the 2016 campaign. He also explained why his decision not to pay for Stormy Daniels’ story led Michael Cohen ultimately paying for it instead. Pecker described in detail how Trump and Cohen worked together to buy up damaging stories throughout the election, laying the foundation for Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance’s case against Trump centered around the payment to Daniels. When asked about his conversations with Trump regarding McDougal, Pecker said that Trump called him three days before the 2016 presidential election when a Wall Street Journal story disclosed the deal AMI made concerning her claims, with the President stating, “How could this happen? I thought you had it under control.”
Merchan has yet to issue his ruling on whether or not Trump violated his gag order. Prosecutors provided four more examples of alleged breaches by the former president in court yesterday, including when he commented on Pecker before going into court that morning. During cross-examination, Trump’s attorney Emil Bove confirmed with Pecker that Trump had been working collaboratively with media to promote his image and sometimes win elections since the 1990s due to their mutually beneficial relationships. In closing arguments for Vance today (Friday), Deputy Chief of Trials Joan Illuzzi-Orbon is expected to present her case, while defense attorney Joseph Tacopina will begin calling witnesses next week before jury deliberations commence on May 16th or 17th.