Devendra Kumar
The criminal trial of former US President Donald Trump resumed on Thursday, with key witness David Pecker, former publisher of the National Enquirer, taking the stand. Pecker’s testimony is expected to focus on his efforts to help Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign by burying negative stories, including one about a former Playboy model, Karen McDougal, who alleged she had a yearlong affair with Trump.
According to Pecker, the Enquirer paid two people for stories about Trump’s alleged sexual misbehavior, but never published them, a practice known as “catch and kill.” Prosecutors claim that Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts, falsified business records documenting a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, a porn star, to keep her quiet about an alleged affair she said she had with Trump in 2006. Trump’s lawyers have argued that the Daniels payout was personal and unrelated to his campaign, but prosecutors claim it was a campaign expense that should have been disclosed, and that Trump’s arrangement with the Enquirer deceived voters by suppressing stories of alleged extramarital affairs.
Trump is also expected to be testified about by McDougal, who claims she had an affair with the ex-president, as well as his former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, who says he arranged the Daniels payment and was reimbursed by Trump. Trump has denied having affairs with both Daniels and McDougal.
The trial carries significant political risks for Trump as he prepares to face off against US President Joe Biden in the November election. Trump has complained that the trial is preventing him from campaigning and using his courthouse appearances as mini-stump speeches. Judge Juan Merchan has imposed a limited gag order on Trump, banning him from publicly attacking witnesses, jurors, and other people close to the case.
Prosecutors have asked Merchan to fine Trump $1,000 apiece for 10 social media posts they say violated the order, including one where he called Cohen and Daniels “sleazebags.” Trump has argued that the gag order violates his right to free speech and claims he is being treated unfairly by Merchan. The trial is a significant one, as it is the first of a former US president, and carries major implications for Trump’s political future.