During the ongoing trial, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass presented evidence showing David Pecker, former CEO of American Media Inc., discussing negative stories published by the National Enquirer about Donald Trump's political opponents.
Among the stories highlighted in court were:
- From October 7, 2015: An article claiming that Ben Carson, a surgeon and former presidential candidate, had left a sponge in a patient's brain, insinuating incompetence.
- From February 12, 2016: A story alleging that Ted Cruz, another former presidential candidate, was shamed by a porn star, aimed at damaging his reputation.
Pecker revealed that while preparing articles like the one about Cruz, they would coordinate with Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, indicating a level of collaboration between the National Enquirer and Trump's inner circle.
The presentation of these stories sheds light on the tabloid's role in potentially influencing public opinion and shaping narratives during the 2016 presidential campaign. The revelations in court provide insight into the tactics employed by media outlets to sway public perception and potentially manipulate political outcomes.
