David Pecker, the former National Enquirer boss, took the stand on Monday as the first witness in Donald Trump's hush-money trial. Pecker provided insights into the inner workings of the tabloid and its practice of 'catch and kill' operations.
During his testimony, Pecker revealed that the tabloid engaged in 'checkbook journalism,' where they paid for stories to control their publication. This admission shed light on a controversial tactic that came to light during the 2016 presidential election.
The Wall Street Journal was among the first to report on the practice, revealing that American Media Inc., the Enquirer's parent company, had paid $150,000 to former Playboy model Karen McDougal for the rights to her story about an alleged affair with Trump. This revelation came just days before the election, sparking widespread scrutiny.
While media outlets extensively covered how Pecker used 'catch and kill' to shield Trump from damaging allegations, the former Enquirer boss had never publicly discussed the practice until his recent testimony. The strategy involved acquiring exclusive rights to stories with the intention of never publishing them, effectively burying potentially damaging information.
Pecker's testimony provided a rare glimpse into the controversial tactics employed by tabloids to manipulate narratives and protect powerful figures. The trial continues to unfold, offering further insights into the intricate web of relationships between media, politics, and personal interests.
