Former President Donald Trump is set to continue his criminal trial at the New York Supreme Court on Friday morning, marking the eighth day of proceedings. The trial, which centers around allegations of falsifying business records, will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. ET with former American Media CEO David Pecker taking the stand for cross-examination by defense attorneys. Trump is expected to be present for today's session and all subsequent trial days.
During Thursday's court session, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office concluded their direct examination of Pecker. Pecker provided detailed insights into the 'catch and kill' scheme involving former Playboy model Karen McDougal's story of an alleged affair with Trump. He revealed that he, along with former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, orchestrated the purchase of McDougal's story for $150,000, intending never to publish it. Pecker expressed his belief in the truth of McDougal's account and highlighted the potential embarrassment it could have caused Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign if made public.
Pecker also recounted his knowledge of former pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels' claims of an affair with Trump. He testified that Cohen had suggested acquiring Daniels' story as well, but Pecker declined, advising Cohen that Trump should handle the purchase personally. Additionally, Pecker shared details of his interactions with Trump, including a visit to the White House in July 2017, where Trump frequently inquired about Karen.
At the conclusion of his direct examination, Pecker disclosed his involvement in a non-prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York related to campaign finance violations, as well as an agreement with the Manhattan district attorney's office. He acknowledged receiving immunity in exchange for his cooperation and expressed no animosity towards Trump, considering him a mentor and friend.
During the subsequent cross-examination by defense attorneys on Thursday, Pecker revealed that he had been alerting Trump to negative stories since 1998. He also mentioned purchasing unfavorable stories about various public figures, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and ex-Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
