In court, David Pecker, the CEO of American Media Inc., testified that he reached out to Michael Cohen after receiving a tip from a National Enquirer editor about a story alleging that Donald Trump had fathered an illegitimate child with a maid at Trump Tower. Pecker contacted Cohen in 2015 to share the information and asked him to verify the identities of the individuals involved. Cohen initially dismissed the story as untrue but agreed to look into it further. Pecker later informed Cohen that the National Enquirer had negotiated to purchase the story for $30,000, a significant amount compared to what they typically paid for celebrity stories. Cohen expressed gratitude and indicated that “the boss,” referring to Trump, would be pleased.
The agreement for the story, signed by the doorman Dino Sajudin, included provisions for providing information and documentation related to the alleged illegitimate child of Trump. It also contained a warning that Sajudin could be sued for $1 million if he violated the terms of the agreement. Pecker informed Cohen that if the story turned out to be true, they would consider publishing it after the election to avoid embarrassing the campaign. He believed that if the story was true, it would be a significant scoop for the National Enquirer, likening it to the magnitude of Elvis Presley’s death.
Despite the negotiations and preparations to publish the story, the National Enquirer ultimately decided not to run the piece. An internal invoice referred to payment to Sajudin as being related to a “Trump non-published story.” This decision to withhold the story from publication raises questions about the motivations behind the initial interest in the story and the subsequent change of heart. The trial has shed light on the behind-the-scenes dealings of tabloid media and their interactions with high-profile individuals like Trump.
The testimony from Pecker provides insight into the collaboration between American Media Inc. and Trump’s inner circle, particularly Cohen, in managing potentially damaging stories. The willingness to pay a significant amount for the story and the consideration of timing for publication indicate a strategic approach to handling sensitive information about Trump. The involvement of key figures like Pecker and Cohen in these discussions raises concerns about the influence of tabloid media on political narratives and the potential for manipulation of information for personal or professional gain.
Overall, the revelations from Pecker’s testimony highlight the complex dynamics between media organizations, public figures, and political campaigns. The trial has exposed the inner workings of tabloid journalism and the extent to which powerful individuals can shape the narrative through strategic alliances and negotiations. The decision not to publish the story about Trump’s alleged illegitimate child underscores the delicate balance between journalistic ethics, personal relationships, and business interests in the realm of media and politics. As the trial continues, further details may emerge that shed light on the broader implications of these behind-the-scenes dealings.
