David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc., took the stand on Thursday in the ongoing legal proceedings involving former President Trump. Pecker revealed that he had purchased stories about various high-profile individuals, including professional golfer Tiger Woods and former Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel.
Pecker's testimony shed light on his involvement in what prosecutors allege was a 'catch and kill' scheme orchestrated to protect Trump's image before the 2016 election. He admitted to purchasing negative stories about Trump, such as those involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal, with the intention of not publishing them.
During his testimony, Pecker disclosed that Trump was particularly concerned about the potential impact of these stories on his family, specifically his wife Melania Trump and daughter Ivanka Trump. Trump also expressed worries about the effect on his 2016 campaign.
Under cross-examination, Pecker clarified that he had also purchased stories about other public figures, including Tiger Woods and Rahm Emanuel. The story about Emanuel, which dated back to 2009 after his tenure in the Obama White House, was reportedly related to an alleged affair to prevent its publication.
Pecker further revealed that he had collaborated with Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen, but emphasized that it was not in connection with the 2016 campaign. The testimony provided valuable insights into the intricate relationships and strategies employed by key figures during a critical period in American politics.
