Trump hush money trial: David Pecker testifies he also ‘killed’ stories for Mark Wahlberg, Tiger Woods and Arnold Schwarzenegger

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: In a dramatic turn of events at Donald Trump's hush money trial on Thursday, April 25, David Pecker, the former honcho of the National Enquirer, provided a detailed account of his involvement in "catch and kill" operations concerning prominent figures including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tiger Woods, and Mark Wahlberg.

Pecker's testimony shed light on a web of intricate deals and strategies aimed at burying damaging stories, implicating Trump in what prosecutors claim was an alleged scheme to manipulate the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.

Pecker testifies he killed stories for Schwarzenegger, Woods, and Wahlberg

Pecker, 72, revealed that shortly after Schwarzenegger announced his candidacy for California governor in 2003, more than 30 women approached the National Enquirer with allegations of affairs or sexual harassment against the actor, who was then married to Maria Shriver.

In a bid to protect a magazine deal with Schwarzenegger's company, American Media Inc (AMI), Pecker disclosed that he spent "hundreds of thousands of dollars" acquiring these stories and ensuring they never saw the light of day.

“The agreement I had with Arnold was, I would call him and advise him of any stories that were out there. And I ended up acquiring and buying them for a period of time,” he said.

Schwarzenegger's subsequent election and tenure as governor from 2003 to 2011 did not shield him from the embarrassment when one of the stories leaked to the Los Angeles Times, prompting Schwarzenegger to deflect inquiries by directing reporters to "ask my friend David Pecker".

This episode, Pecker testified, was "very embarrassing" for both him and his company, underscoring the lengths to which he went to protect his high-profile associates. Pecker's testimony extended beyond Schwarzenegger to reveal similar tactics employed by other notable figures, including Tiger Woods, Mark Wahlberg, and Democrat Rahm Emmanuel.

He recounted purchasing incriminating photos of Woods in 2007 and leveraging them to secure a magazine cover deal, as well as acquiring a story about an argument between Wahlberg and his wife, which was never published.

However, it was Pecker's involvement in the Trump-related "catch and kill" operations that drew significant attention. Prosecutors allege that Trump, in collaboration with Pecker and his lawyer Michael Cohen, orchestrated payments to bury negative stories about him, thus influencing the 2016 election.

Pecker detailed his role in locking up former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal's story about an alleged affair with Trump, stating that McDougal initially declined a $10,000 offer but eventually accepted $150,000 for her silence. 

Pecker's testimony also recounted a meeting at Trump Tower in January 2017 attended by then-president-elect Trump and FBI director James Comey where Trump flippantly acknowledged their efforts to suppress damaging stories.

Trump quipped about Pecker, "He probably knows more than anyone else in this room."

Pecker, with a touch of humor, remarked, "It was a joke. Unfortunately, they didn’t laugh."

However, the former president chuckled at the defense table when this anecdote was recounted in court, the New York Post reported.

Internet reacts to Pecker's testimony

That said, social media was abuzz with reactions after Pecker revealed he also killed stories about Mark Wahlberg, Tiger Woods and Rahm Emmanuel.

"Don't see the gov going after Tiger Woods and Arny," one posted on X.

"But when it involves Trump it’s illegal. We get it. The indictments are politically motivated," another fumed.

"In other words, there is no crime," someone else insisted.

"So the narrative is busted," another offered.

Pecker's loyalty and Trump's response

Following his testimony, Pecker was asked if he had any ill will towards Trump. “On the contrary, I felt that Donald Trump was my mentor. He helped me throughout my career," Pecker responded. Despite not having any contact with Trump since 2019, Pecker maintained that he still considered him a friend.

Later, in the courtroom hallway, Trump commented on the day's events, praising Pecker's testimony as "breathtaking."

“Today was breathtaking in this room. You saw what went on. It was breathtaking. Amazing testimony. This is a trial that never should’ve happened, a case that should’ve never been filed," Trump said.

Pecker is set to return to the stand on Friday, April 26, for further cross-examination.

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