Trump Manipulated Headlines with Help from National Enquirer, Testimony Shows

In a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday, David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, testified about his long relationship with Donald J. Trump and how the tabloid helped the former president manipulate headlines in his favor during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Pecker described a meeting in 2015 at Trump Tower, shortly after Trump announced his candidacy, where he promised to be Trump's "eyes and ears" and help suppress negative stories. "I was going to run or publish positive stories about Mr. Trump and I would publish negative stories about his opponents," Pecker said.

Prosecutors displayed examples of flattering headlines the National Enquirer published about Trump, as well as disparaging stories about his opponents. Pecker testified that Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen acted as a "shadow editor," directing the tabloid to attack Trump's rivals for the Republican nomination.

The testimony also revealed details of "catch and kill" operations, where the National Enquirer would buy the rights to potentially damaging stories about Trump in order to bury them. In one case, Pecker said the tabloid paid $30,000 to a former Trump Tower doorman who claimed Trump had fathered a child out of wedlock, even though Pecker doubted the story's credibility.

Why this matters: The testimony provides insight into the depths of Trump's efforts to manipulate media coverage and public perception during his campaign. It also highlights the role of the National Enquirer in aiding these efforts through a close relationship with Trump and his associates.

Prosecutors allege that the "catch and kill" schemes were part of a larger effort by Trump to illegally influence the 2016 election. They claim Trump sought to suppress negative stories, including allegations of extramarital affairs, that could have damaged his campaign in its final weeks. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments.

Pecker's testimony is expected to continue on Thursday, where he will likely face cross-examination from Trump's lawyers. The defense is expected to attack the credibility of Michael Cohen, who is also set to be a key witness for the prosecution. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and accused prosecutors of targeting him for political reasons.

Key Takeaways

• David Pecker, ex-National Enquirer publisher, testified about his relationship with Trump.
• Pecker said he helped suppress negative stories and promote positive ones about Trump.
• Prosecutors allege "catch and kill" schemes to illegally influence the 2016 election.
• Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts related to hush money payments.
• Pecker's testimony is expected to continue, with the defense attacking Michael Cohen's credibility.