In a pivotal moment of the Donald Trump’s New York criminal hush money trial, David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc. (AMI), took the stand to testify about the infamous “catch and kill” deal involving former Playboy model Karen McDougal that Michael Cohen allegedly reached on behalf of the former president.
As Pecker began recounting the events leading up to the McDougal deal, Trump’s demeanor noticeably shifted. With his eyes closed and a scowl etched across his face, Trump listened intently as Pecker disclosed key information about the reimbursement process and discussions with Trump’s then-lawyer, Michael Cohen. Trump was particularly flustered when Pecker discussed the “Access Hollywood” tapes.
Pecker’s testimony, which unfolded over several hours, provided a detailed account of the events leading up to and following the McDougal deal. The timeline began with Cohen’s insistence on obtaining all content related to Trump from AMI, indicating the importance Trump placed on controlling potentially damaging information.
Key revelations emerged as Pecker detailed the reimbursement process. He testified that Cohen assured him that “the boss,” referring to Trump, would handle the repayment for the McDougal deal, alleviating Pecker’s concerns about the transaction’s legality and potential scrutiny.
Further insights were provided into the mechanics of the reimbursement, including Pecker’s decision to use an outside service for large payments to avoid detection within AMI. Pecker’s testimony outlined his efforts to expedite the reimbursement process before the end of the company’s fiscal quarter, highlighting the financial implications and urgency involved.
Crucially, Pecker addressed the decision not to publish McDougal’s story, emphasizing that the intention was to avoid influencing the 2016 election. This admission underscores the impact of media manipulation on political campaigns.
Records presented during the trial confirmed McDougal’s payment in August 2016, shortly after the contract was signed, adding a concrete timeline to the events under scrutiny. Additionally, documents such as payment vouchers and invoices provided further clarity on the financial transactions surrounding the McDougal deal.
Pecker’s testimony also touched on the broader implications of AMI’s actions, including concerns about the legality of “catch and kill” deals and the company’s eventual admission of campaign finance violations.
Furthermore, Pecker’s revelation about his discussions with Cohen regarding the impact of the “Access Hollywood” tape on the campaign added another layer of problems for Trump. Cohen reportedly described the tape as “very, very damaging to the campaign,” reflecting concerns within Trump’s inner circle about its fallout.
Trump’s reaction in court, with a scowl on his face as prosecutors raised questions about the tape, underscored the significance of this aspect of Pecker’s testimony.
As Pecker concluded his testimony, the courtroom buzzed with anticipation over the implications of his revelations.
