Once again, Donald Trump took his time before entering the courtroom. The hallway of the Manhattan courthouse is his stage of the moment. Thursday April 25, on the sidelines of his trial in New York, he launched into a diatribe in front of the cameras summarizing the latest figure for American growth, the pro-Palestinian mobilization on certain campuses, his own electoral campaign and the deliberations of the Court supreme. Shortly after 9:30 a.m., Magistrate Juan Merchan greeted him from his perch. “Hello, Mr. Trump. »
The former president attended, in silence, following David Pecker’s hearing. On April 23, the latter began to describe the toxic association between the powerful tabloid National Enquirer, under his leadership, and Donald Trump, then presidential candidate, in 2015-2016. The two men had known each other for a long time. “I felt like Donald Trump was my mentor. He has helped me throughout my career”remembered David Pecker.
According to the prosecution, a real partnership was established starting in the summer of 2015. The former CEO of the American Media Inc. (AMI) group, who benefits from immunity in exchange for his cooperation, detailed the details. terms, concluded informally during a meeting at Trump Tower with Donald Trump and Michael Cohen, the candidate’s lawyer. David Pecker committed to being “eyes and ears” of the entrepreneur and to react to any rumor “about women selling stories” about her. It was, in short, a matter of buying exclusivity on potentially damaging scoops, then suppressing them.
“She didn’t want to be the next Monica Lewinsky”
This was the case at the beginning of 2016 with Karen McDougal, whose mention occupied the start of the hearing on Thursday. Former magazine model Playboyshe would have had a long sexual affair with Donald Trump in 2006. ‘She said she didn’t want to be the next Monica Lewinsky’has said David Pecker, in reference to the former White House intern who had sexual relations with Bill Clinton. Understand: the model had other interests than giving herself over to the press. Pecker says he spoke with Donald Trump about this possible testimony. “Karen is a good girl”the candidate would have noted. “I think you should buy the story and take it off the market,” David Pecker recommended to him.
Negotiations began with Karen McDougal on the price of exclusivity. The final sum was $150,000. Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s lawyer, recommended that the pressman pay up. ” Don’t worry, he would have told her. I am your friend. The boss will take care of it. » David Pecker wanted to be cautious. He remembered a similar agreement for the benefit of‘Arnold Schwarzenegger, back when the actor was considering a run for governor of California. More than thirty women ended up asking AMI to tell the story of their relationship with the fitness star. Sex, press and politics: a lucrative mix, but also dangerous, if mishandled.
You have 44.25% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.