The second day of the oral hearing against Donald Trump began with expected anger. The prosecution demanded that Judge Juan Merchan toughen the prohibition on Trump speaking publicly about the trial, witnesses, jurors, families, or prosecutors. This demand stemmed from Trump’s multiple violations of the order. Judge Merchan and Trump’s lawyer engaged in a tense exchange, with the judge reminding the lawyer of his credibility in court.
The Manhattan assistant district attorney handling the case suggested that incarceration could be an option for Trump given his violations. The trial focused on the National Enquirer’s role in the Trump campaign, with David Pecker, the head of AMI, testifying about the tabloid’s collaboration with Trump to publish fake news, slander rivals, and buy the silence of women with whom Trump had sexual relations.
Pecker’s testimony confirmed that the Enquirer worked to protect Trump’s image by buying the rights to stories of his affairs and never releasing them. The Enquirer’s catch and kill tactic aimed to keep these stories out of the public eye, benefiting Trump’s presidential campaign. Payments to women and the suppression of stories were seen as investments to help Trump win the presidency.
The trial delved into details of the payments made to women and the cover-up of Trump’s affairs, involving Karen McDougal and other women who took money in exchange for silence. The Enquirer played a central role in these transactions, coordinating closely with Trump’s team to manage the fallout of these scandals. The trial highlighted the lengths to which Trump and his associates went to protect his image and campaign for the presidency.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution has painted a picture of Trump and his allies engaging in unethical and illegal practices to advance Trump’s political ambitions. The testimony from Pecker and other witnesses has shed light on the inner workings of the Trump campaign, revealing the extent of their efforts to manipulate the media and suppress damaging stories. As the trial continues, more revelations are expected to emerge, further exposing the lengths to which Trump was willing to go to secure his position of power.