'OK, we're paying': Texts reveal how National Enquirer killed Karen McDougal's 'blockbuster Trump story'
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The trial surrounding hush money payments allegedly made by Donald Trump has unveiled a sensational narrative involving a Playboy model, tabloid deals, and a web of negotiations.
The proceedings, held in a New York courtroom, have shed light on the inner workings of chequebook journalism and the alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and the National Enquirer.
The curious case of Karen McDougal
The saga began with a single text message from a lawyer to an editor, cryptically stating, "I have a blockbuster Trump story."
What followed was a meticulously detailed account presented as People's Exhibit 176A in Trump's hush money trial, outlining the intricate negotiations between Karen McDougal, a former Playboy model, and the National Enquirer.
As negotiations unfolded, exchanges between McDougal's lawyer, Keith Davidson, and National Enquirer editor Dylan Howard shed light on the behind-the-scenes machinations.
Davidson initiated contact with Howard on June 7, 2016, prompting Howard's keen interest: "Talk first thing," he responded, adding, "I will get you more than anyone for it. You know why..."
The messages revealed a gradual lowering of Davidson's initial demand of $1 million for McDougal's explosive story. "800 now and 100 per year for two years for a total of 1m," Davidson proposed. Howard, indicating a willingness to negotiate, responded, "We are going to lay it on thick for her."
As the negotiations progressed, Howard's curiosity intensified, probing Davidson about potential infidelity: "Did he cheat on Melania?" he inquired. Davidson's response remained guarded: "I really can't say yet. Sorry."
Back in the summer of 2016, Davidson had news that might sweeten the pending deal: "My client has located her Blackberry," he messaged Howard. The editor's interest was piqued: "Well this is interesting," he replied. "What's on it?"
Hopes of incriminating messages or evidence of an affair were dashed when Davidson forwarded an image file to Howard. "She posted that on Twitter," he replied. Instead of an exclusive picture corroborating her story, it was a photo of her with Trump that she had published in September 2015 before deleting it.
The disappointment meant slow progress. Davidson complained that the National Enquirer and its parent company, American Media, may be asking for too much documentary proof. "It's a story that should be told," pressed Davidson. "I agree," said Howard.
Amidst the bargaining, moments of levity surfaced, with Davidson jokingly requesting an ambassadorship: "Good. Throw in an ambassadorship for me," he quipped, adding, "I'm thinking Isle of Mann [sic]." Howard, in a playful exchange, replied, "I'm going to make Australia great again."
Negotiations intensify
The negotiations reached a critical juncture as Trump clinched the Republican nomination.
"Get me a price on McDougal," Howard urged. Davidson responded, highlighting the escalating pressure: "Let's try and wrap up Karen's deal," he says. "She is getting repeated phone calls from Rhonda Schwartz."
However, challenges arose as the deal's finalization faced hurdles.
Davidson raised concerns about the final mechanics of the deal, expressing dissatisfaction with the terms presented by AMI's counsel, Cameron Stracher. "Cameron's agreement wasn't even really close to what we were expecting," he said. "Please review the red line I just sent. Need to handle this quickly."
According to the messages, Stracher and Davidson then had a phone conversation. Davidson revealed his reluctance to involve Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, in the negotiations.
"He wants me to call Cohen. U think that's OK? I've been trying like hell to avoid that," Davidson said.
He also emphasized the importance of McDougal being featured as the cover star of one of AMI's magazines. "Also did u see one cover of either Us or Star is in my redline. And a ghostwriter. Call [sic] with that?"
Howard responded affirmatively: "Cool with that." Hours later, he confirmed the deal's finalization: "OK, we are paying," he said.
The final deal
The agreement, signed on August 5, granted AMI the "limited life story rights" of McDougal in exchange for $150,000 and additional perks, ensuring exclusive control over information about any romantic or personal relationship she had with then-married men.
The agreement, however, included clauses silencing McDougal from speaking about her alleged relationship with Trump. Despite the deal's completion, McDougal's story never graced the pages of the National Enquirer, raising questions about the motives behind its suppression.
Three days later, Davidson informed Howard that he was turning down other offers for her story.
"I am going to let ABC know that Karen has decided to keep her story quiet," he messaged. "I'm going to let them know that the family has begged and pleaded and that she has promised her family she wouldn't. I will have Karen ignore all of their calls."
Her story was never published by the National Enquirer, part of an alleged agreement between its publisher David Pecker and Trump, the Daily Mail reported.
