David Pecker, the publisher of a magazine, is expected to be the initial witness in the criminal trial involving former President Trump’s hush money case, according to The New York Times. This trial marks a significant moment in history as it becomes the first criminal trial involving a former president. The proceedings are set to commence on Monday.
The focus of the case against Trump revolves around the payments that were made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors argue that the former president engaged in illegal activities by concealing these payments just days before the 2016 election. The intention behind this alleged cover-up was to silence any reports or stories regarding a supposed past affair.
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According to reports, actress Karen McDougal was paid $150,000 by Pecker’s media company. McDougal also alleged having an affair with Trump, similar to Daniels’ claims. Interestingly, the company deliberately prevented McDougal’s story from being published until after the election took place.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the New York Times reported that Pecker’s testimony will focus on his discussions with Trump regarding the hush money payments.
Other important individuals who are expected to testify in the case include Michael Cohen, the former personal attorney of Donald Trump, who was responsible for making the payments to Daniels. Additionally, Daniels herself and Hope Hicks, an aide, are also anticipated to give their testimonies.
It is unclear whether the former president will testify in his own defense.
Trump has dismissed the case as a politically motivated distraction from the upcoming 2024 election. He maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to charges of falsifying business records.
The trial is anticipated to take approximately six weeks.
