A key witness in the trial of Donald Trump over hush money for a porn actress confirmed on Tuesday that he helped the former US president eliminate unpleasant stories before the 2016 US elections. This means that the ex-president’s defense strategy in court is faltering.
The former editor of the pro-Trump tabloid National Enquirer, David Pecker, said in court in New York on Tuesday that he took part in a meeting with Trump and his lawyer Michael Cohen in mid-August 2015.
There, Pecker promised to immediately report any negative rumors about Trump or “about women who want to sell stories” to lawyer Cohen. In this way, Cohen was able to ‘eliminate’ potentially damaging reports.
It’s all about hush money
The indictment accuses Trump of trying to influence the outcome of the 2016 US presidential election by paying $130,000 in hush money to sex actress Daniels. The transaction itself was not illegal, but when he returned the money to his lawyer Cohen, Trump falsified business documents to conceal their real purpose, the charges say. This is the first criminal trial of an ex-president in American history.
Trump could face several years in prison if convicted, but the sentence could also be suspended. A fine would also be possible. The case could influence the American election campaign. Trump wants to be re-elected president in November. He had pleaded not guilty.
Something for better electoral success?
By questioning Pecker, the prosecutor wants to support her claim that Trump’s goal was to protect his campaign from negative press in order to have a better chance of voting in November 2016.
This is intended to counter a possible defense argument that Trump’s payment to porn star Daniels was simply to prevent harm to his family and that it was simply a private payment unrelated to the US election.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
