Former Enquirer Publisher Takes Stand in Trump Hush-Money Trial

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Today in the ongoing trial, the Manhattan District Attorney's office made opening statements in the historic New York criminal trial against former President Donald Trump. Lawyer Matthew Colangelo detailed an alleged "catch and kill" scheme with Trump's approval, involving a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, delivered the opening statement for the defense.

Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker is the first witness for the prosecution and is considered a central figure in the alleged scheme to bury claims from women who said they had affairs with Trump. The trial is scheduled to conclude by 2 p.m. to allow for Passover observations.

In today's proceedings, the prosecution alleged that Trump engaged in a conspiracy to cover up a sex scandal to secure his election as president in 2016. The case focuses on a $130,000 hush-money payment made to Stormy Daniels, with prosecutors claiming Trump reimbursed his lawyer, Michael Cohen, and falsified business records to conceal the payment. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied any relationship with Daniels.

The trial continues to unfold, with key players like David Pecker and Michael Cohen expected to be central witnesses. The defense maintains Trump's innocence and asserts that he did not commit any crimes. The trial will resume with further testimony and arguments as the legal proceedings progress.