Day 6 of the former President Trump's hush money trial was packed with revelations, featuring testimony from David Pecker, a seasoned tabloid editor. He spilled the beans on the "catch-and-kill" agreement he made with Trump and Michael Cohen during the 2016 presidential election, aiming to bury negative stories.
Pecker's testimony unveiled the first story he "caught and killed," a 2015 tale from a Trump Tower doorman alleging Trump had fathered a child with a maid there. Despite Cohen's denial, Pecker paid $30,000 for the story to bury it.
Pecker also revealed that prior to Trump's presidential run, there was no such "catch-and-kill" pact between them, a crucial detail linking Trump's efforts to sway the election. The arrangement also involved the tabloid amplifying Cohen's opposition research on Trump's rivals, including Ted Cruz, Ben Carson, and Marco Rubio.
During the trial, Enquirer headlines praising Trump and slamming his opponents were showcased, indicating the tabloid's role as a propaganda tool.
Before proceedings, Judge Merchan held a hearing regarding Trump's potential violation of a gag order by targeting witnesses like Cohen and Stormy Daniels on social media. Despite Trump's defense that he was merely responding to attacks, the judge expressed skepticism, warning that Trump's actions could lead to fines or even confinement.
Pecker's testimony also touched on Karen McDougal, a Playboy model who alleged a year-long affair with Trump. Pecker informed Cohen about her, leading to a payment of $150,000 to keep her story under wraps.
The trial is unfolding with shocking details, and more bombshells are expected as Pecker continues his testimony.
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