During the trial, Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass has shifted the focus to the Karen McDougal case. He is meticulously guiding the jurors through a series of text messages exchanged between Michael Cohen and Trump's bodyguard Keith Schiller. These messages were sent after Cohen became aware of the potential story involving McDougal.
Additionally, Steinglass is presenting evidence in the form of text messages and call logs that indicate National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard was involved in the situation. The records show that Howard traveled to California in June 2016 to interview McDougal, suggesting a level of coordination in handling the story.
One particular text message from Howard to Cohen in June 2016 stands out: 'Understand I’ve got this locked down for you. I won’t let it out of my grasp.' This message implies a commitment to ensuring the story does not become public.
Steinglass asserts that Howard was not merely seeking to sell a story to the highest bidder. Instead, he argues that Howard was collaborating with a political candidate to suppress the McDougal story. The prosecutor's argument suggests a deliberate effort to conceal potentially damaging information.
The unfolding details in the courtroom shed light on the intricate web of communications and actions surrounding the McDougal story. The text messages and call logs provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes maneuvers aimed at controlling the narrative and protecting the interests of those involved.
As the trial progresses, the significance of these revelations in the Karen McDougal case is becoming increasingly apparent. The interactions between key individuals, including Cohen, Schiller, and Howard, paint a picture of a coordinated effort to manage potentially damaging information during a critical period.
With each piece of evidence presented, the prosecution is building a compelling narrative that underscores the complexity of the situation and raises important questions about the actions taken to suppress the McDougal story.
