Donald Trump faces 34 counts for falsifying records|@Annevanleur|X
In the ongoing hush money trial involving Donald Trump, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker became the first witness to testify on Monday. He admitted to collaborating with Michael Cohen (Trump’s attorney) to suppress unfavorable stories during his 2016 presidential bid.
He disclosed the news tabloid’s use of “checkbook journalism” and so-called “catch and kill” operations.
Checkbook journalism involves making payments in exchange for exclusive rights to stories with the purpose of never publishing them.
Pecker’s testimony is set to continue on Thursday.
In November 2016, The Wall Street Journal published a story that Playboy model Karen McDougal was paid $150,000 by American Media Inc. (Enquirer parent) to bury a story about her alleged affair with Trump.
Pecker also informed Trump’s team of adult film star Stormy Daniels’ plans to go public about her alleged affair with the ex-president.
Trump, facing 34 counts of falsifying business records, maintains his innocence. If convicted, he could serve up to four years in prison.