During the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump in New York on Tuesday, one of the key witnesses, David Pecker, gave testimony that has unexpectedly damaged the case being pursued by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, according to an analysis.
There was much anticipation surrounding David Pecker, the former CEO of American Media Inc., owner of the scandal-plagued National Enquirer, who was expected to provide significant evidence against Trump. Pecker was set to testify about the infamous “catch and kill” scheme, a tactic employed by the tabloid to purchase damaging stories about Trump during the 2016 election and subsequently suppress their publication.
However, during cross-examination, Pecker’s statements appeared to undermine the narrative that the prosecution had painstakingly constructed. Pecker testified in court that Trump was not the primary individual concerned about potentially damaging stories due to his fame and past interactions with women. Instead, it was Pecker himself and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen who were more apprehensive.
During his testimony, Pecker, who served as CEO of the Enquirer’s parent company at the time, revealed that in 2015, he had agreed to act as Trump’s “eyes and ears.” He committed to informing Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, about any stories that could potentially harm Trump.
As part of a plan he called “catch and kill,” he bought the rights to these stories but didn’t publish them, which kept them secret.
Political commentators and the media extensively covered the events, with much attention directed towards potential missteps by Bragg’s team.
“Did the prosecution comprehend that they just looked silly? Their main witness just said that Trump didn’t even think of any of this,” a political analyst from Travis Media Group tweeted after the testimony.
“Pecker effectively testified today that he and Cohen drummed up this scheme, without Trump’s instruction. Not a good day for Alvin Bragg and Joe Biden!!!” Raheem Kassam of the National Pulse tweeted.
This ⬇️
Pecker effectively testified today that he and Cohen drummed up this scheme, without Trump's instruction.
Not a good day for Alvin Bragg and Joe Biden!!! https://t.co/gSGjVevzaO
— Raheem. (@RaheemKassam) April 23, 2024
