During the trial, Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo revealed that American Media Inc. (AMI) paid Karen McDougal $150,000 for the rights to her story. Colangelo informed the jury that evidence would demonstrate Donald Trump's awareness of the McDougal situation, emphasizing that Trump was keen on keeping this information private due to concerns about its impact on the election.
Colangelo further disclosed that David Pecker, the head of AMI, grew anxious and frustrated over doubts about Trump reimbursing him for the McDougal payment. In an attempt to reassure Pecker, Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, recorded a conversation with Trump regarding the McDougal payment using his cell phone in September 2016. This recorded call is set to be presented as evidence during the trial.
Colangelo highlighted that both Cohen and Pecker employed intermediaries to conceal the true nature of the transaction. Eventually, Pecker informed Cohen that the deal was off, and AMI would bear the financial burden of paying McDougal.
