In an intense day of former President Trump's hush money trial, David Pecker, the veteran tabloid editor, took the stand and revealed details about the controversial "catch-and-kill" arrangement he made with Trump and his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, during the 2016 presidential election. The trial, taking place in New York, revolves around felony charges of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment made by Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, allegedly to benefit Trump's electoral prospects.

During his testimony, Pecker disclosed the nature of the first story he "caught and killed" under the agreement, which involved false allegations made by a Trump Tower doorman in 2015. The allegation in question claimed that "Donald Trump fathered an illegitimate girl with a maid at Trump Tower." Pecker testified that upon learning about these allegations, he immediately contacted Cohen, who vehemently denied their truthfulness. Despite this, Pecker confirmed that his tabloid, the National Enquirer, proceeded to purchase the exclusive rights to the story for $30,000 in order to bury it.

A significant point in Pecker's testimony was his revelation that there had been no prior "catch-and-kill" agreement between the National Enquirer and Trump before his presidential candidacy. This detail holds importance for the prosecution's attempts to link Trump's efforts to suppress negative stories with his political ambitions.

Before the trial proceedings commenced, Judge Juan Merchan held a hearing to address concerns about Trump potentially violating a limited gag order by targeting potential witnesses, such as Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels. The defense argued that Trump's social media posts were merely responses to attacks, but the judge expressed skepticism, demanding evidence of the specific posts being referenced. This exchange led to tensions between Trump and the judge, with Trump criticizing Merchan as a "conflicted judge" who is encroaching upon his free-speech rights.

The outcome of potential contempt charges against Trump remains uncertain, pending Judge Merchan's ruling. If found in contempt, the former president could face a fine, but continued defiance could even result in short-term confinement, for which the U.S. Secret Service is reportedly developing contingency plans.

During his testimony, Pecker also mentioned Karen McDougal, a Playboy model, who in June 2016 attempted to sell a story about her alleged year-long relationship with Donald Trump. Pecker informed Cohen and recounted a conversation he had with Trump, suggesting that the story should be purchased. However, Trump reportedly rejected the idea, stating his belief that such actions would inevitably lead to the story being exposed. Eventually, McDougal received $150,000 and the promise of exercise articles in the National Enquirer.

Pecker is expected to continue with his testimony, including further details about McDougal, when he returns to the witness stand on Thursday. The trial continues as revelations about the "catch-and-kill" arrangement shed light on the alleged cover-up of hush money payments during Trump's presidential campaign.