In a bombshell testimony at the ongoing hush money trial of Donald Trump, former American Media CEO David Pecker revealed a secretive arrangement with Trump and his lawyer, Michael Cohen, to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. Pecker acknowledged that he was instructed to be Trump’s “eyes and ears,” providing information on potential negative stories or allegations against Trump. This arrangement extended to the infamous $130,000 hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels. Pecker further testified that he received instructions from Cohen on which Republican candidates to attack, with the aim of boosting Trump’s chances of securing the nomination. Cohen also supplied Pecker with negative information about other candidates, which was subsequently “embellished” and published by tabloid writers. In one instance, Pecker paid $30,000 to a Trump Tower doorman to suppress rumors about an illegitimate child. Despite the story being later proven false, Pecker justified the payment due to the potential embarrassment it posed to Trump’s campaign. Former National Enquirer editor Lachlan Cartwright corroborated Pecker’s testimony in a recent article, detailing how he was tasked with fabricating a fitness column by former Playboy model Karen McDougal after inquiries into the $150,000 payment she received from American Media for her story about an affair with Trump. This practice, known as “catch and kill,” has become increasingly prevalent in the media landscape. Pecker’s testimony and Cartwright’s revelations shed light on the extent to which Trump and his associates employed questionable tactics to manipulate the outcome of the election.
Tabloid Boss Testifies on Secret Trump Hush Money Operation
