Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker has disclosed that his outlet paid $150,000 for the rights to a story it never intended to publish. The story in question involved an alleged year-long affair between former President Trump and Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Pecker admitted that the payment was part of an agreement to 'catch and kill' negative stories about Trump before the 2016 election. He believed that news of the affair could have severely damaged Trump's campaign.
Despite paying the substantial amount, Pecker confirmed that he had no intention of publishing the story. He stated that he only proceeded with the deal after receiving assurance from then-Trump attorney Michael Cohen that he would be reimbursed.
According to Pecker, Cohen reassured him by saying, 'Why are you so worried, I'm your friend, the boss will take care of it.' Prosecutors later clarified that 'the boss' referred to Trump.
This revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes efforts to suppress potentially damaging information about Trump during his presidential campaign. The disclosure by Pecker raises questions about the extent to which negative stories were suppressed to protect Trump's image.
