Former tabloid publisher David Pecker took the stand as the first witness in the NY v. Trump case, where former President Donald Trump is facing 34 charges of falsifying business records. Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc., testified about 'catch and kill schemes' allegedly used to bury negative information about Trump before the 2016 election.
'Catch-and-kill' schemes involve media companies buying the rights to a story with no intention of publishing it. In this case, the prosecution alleges that Trump's personal attorney paid $130,000 to former pornographic actress Stormy Daniels in 2016 to silence her claims of an extramarital affair with Trump in 2006.
Pecker revealed that he learned of Daniels' claims after the release of the 'Access Hollywood' tape in 2016. Daniels was reportedly seeking $120,000 for her story, which Pecker's company could not afford. Pecker informed the National Enquirer editor, who then contacted Trump's attorney, Michael Cohen.
Prosecutors claim that Trump falsely recorded reimbursements to Cohen as legal expenses after the payment to Daniels. They argue that Trump falsified business records in connection with a violation of New York election law.
Trump, speaking to the media, praised Pecker as a 'nice guy' and acknowledged his long-standing relationship with him dating back to the 1980s. Pecker's testimony sheds light on the intricate details of the alleged efforts to suppress damaging information about Trump during the election.
The NY v. Trump case continues to unfold as prosecutors seek to establish a link between the falsification of business records and election-related crimes. The trial is closely watched as it delves into the intersection of media, politics, and legal accountability.
