he trial involving Donald Trump in New York is now in full swing. Following the initial statements made by both the prosecution and defense regarding the alleged illegal payments of hush money (including $130,000 to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels) to influence the 2016 election campaign, the first key witness has caused quite a commotion.
David Pecker, the former publisher of gossip magazines like the “National Enquirerâ€, was a central figure in the alleged fraudulent activities outlined in the indictment. It is claimed that he helped eliminate negative stories about women to benefit his “friend†Trump during the election season. During his testimony, Pecker revealed a lot more, including how he first met Trump at Mar-a-Lago in 1988 and their subsequent close relationship.
Trump played a pivotal role in Pecker’s success in the New York scene, congratulating him on acquiring the “National Enquirer” and providing insider information on hit shows like “The Apprenticeâ€. This collaboration boosted Pecker’s magazines tremendously.
The two men maintained a strong friendship over the years, with Trump even referring to Pecker as “Donald” in personal conversations. Their bond intensified when Trump announced his presidential bid in 2015, leading to more frequent communication between the two. Pecker recalls Trump as a hands-on leader who paid attention to every detail and was frugal in his dealings.
In 2007, Pecker was introduced to Michael Cohen, Trump’s personal attorney, who played a crucial role in managing negative news stories about Trump. As Trump’s candidacy gained traction, Pecker also interacted more with the campaign’s communications manager, Hope Hicks, resulting in extensive coverage of Trump in Pecker’s magazines.
The connection between Pecker, Trump, and Cohen grew stronger as they strategized on how to shape the narrative around Trump’s candidacy. Pecker pledged to promote only positive stories about Trump and disparage his rivals, acting as a vigilant observer for any negative reports, particularly those involving women. Their goal was to prevent damaging stories from being published, given Trump’s reputation as a sought-after bachelor.
Throughout this time, Pecker was a key figure in Trump’s inner circle, even attending pivotal events like the announcement of Trump’s candidacy at Trump Tower. Their collaboration aimed to safeguard Trump’s public image and counter any detrimental revelations that could jeopardize his campaign.
During the meeting, the names Bill and Hillary Clinton were discussed in relation to Trump’s presidential opponent at the time. Pecker revealed his intention to publish stories on Clinton’s sex scandals and highlight Hillary’s role as an enabler, which pleased Trump and Cohen. The agreement was mutually beneficial as Trump’s stories would boost sales and provide favorable coverage for him. Cohen would often intervene to prevent the publication of stories about women that Pecker planned to circulate.
Pecker wanted all agreements to be kept “secretâ€. He was afraid that some of the 700 gossip reporters might stumble across them. A story was presented in which Trump opponent Ben Carson was accused of forgetting a cotton ball in the brain of a young patient during an operation. Title: BUNGLING SURGEON BEN CARSON LEFT SPONGE IN PATIENT’S BRAIN! Ted Cruz (53) was accused in a headline of being exposed by a porn star (!) (TED CRUZ SHAMED BY PORN STAR). Cruz was also defamed as an alcoholic. He is said to have had five mistresses, according to another fictitious report (TED CRUZ SEX SCANDAL – 5 SECRET MISTRESSES). Pecker admitted on the stand when viewing the headlines, “That’s terrible…â€
Cruz was then even linked to the JFK assassin. Marco Rubio (52), another of Trump’s pre-election opponents, was also caught in the crossfire. Cohen regularly contacted the paper with requests as to who should be targeted with particular intensity. It was mostly Trump’s pre-election opponents who were currently rising in the polls. Trump advisor Steve Bannon (70) was then also integrated into the working scheme.
Pecker was then asked about the story of a doorman at Trump Tower, Dino Sajudin, according to which Trump had fathered an illegitimate child with a housekeeper in the penthouse. Pecker informed Cohen, who vigorously denied the story: “Absolutely not true,†he said. The tabloid boss then explained the concept of his “whistleblower contractâ€, where the publication and the source come to an agreement. One was drawn up with the bouncer, complete with a lie detector test.
Why was the payment made anyway? To ensure that Sajudin could not pass the information on to any other medium. If Sajudin violated the contract, he was threatened with a fine of one million dollars. Cohen also wanted to ensure that the contract, including the muzzle for Sajudin, would remain in force until after the elections.
A fee of 30,000 dollars was agreed. The story was bought – and then killed, i.e. never published. Cohen said: “The boss is happy!†Meaning Trump. The reporters themselves came to the conclusion that the allegations were fabricated: The child was allegedly Hispanic, while Trump’s DNA was “Irish-German,†Pecker said.
Another alleged ex-affair of Trump, the former Playboy model Karen McDougal (53), was brought up. He sent his star reporter to talk to her to check the truth of the matter. At this point, contact with Cohen was “daily†and the Trump lawyer suggested that the bug-proof app “Signal†should be used for phone calls from then on. Trump himself thought that the story should be “capturedâ€. Cohen himself was highly nervous and “kept callingâ€.
The testimony will continue on Thursday.
