The first witness took the stand in former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial on Monday after both sides laid out parts of their cases to the jury in opening statements.
During his testimony, David Pecker described his job at the time as the former chairman of the National Enquirer’s parent company.
Here's a recap of what he said:
- Pecker told the jury about his role at National Enquirer’s parent company and said that any big stories involving celebrities had to go through him.
- He said editors could spend up to $10,000 to investigate and publish a story, but anything more than that would have to be vetted and approved by him.
- Pecker also testified that he had a private email for things he didn’t want his assistant to see.
- Remember: Pecker has been granted immunity in exchange for his testimony and the parent company, American Media Inc., signed a non-prosecution agreement with prosecutors.
- During opening statements, prosecutor Matthew Colangelo focused on the case, telling the jury it is “about a criminal conspiracy and a cover-up.”
- During his turn, Trump's attorney Todd Blanche told the jury, "President Trump is innocent” and that “none of this was a crime.” He said they will find “plenty of reasonable doubt” in the prosecution's case.
The judge has excused the jury until 11 a.m. ET tomorrow.
