In a shocking revelation, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, David Pecker, testified in court that his publication "created" a false story about Sen. Ted Cruz's father during the 2016 presidential election. Pecker made these remarks during his testimony at former President Donald Trump's trial in Manhattan criminal court.

According to NBC News, Pecker confessed that the tabloid had run a story in April 2016 that featured a fabricated photograph of Cruz's father, Rafael Cruz, alongside Lee Harvey Oswald, the man who assassinated President John F. Kennedy. The publication claimed that the photo was taken three months before the tragic event in November 1963.

When asked about the origin of the story, Pecker admitted that his publication's then-editor-in-chief and research department manipulated the photo to create the foundation for the false narrative. "We mashed the photos and the different picture with Lee Harvey Oswald," Pecker revealed. "And mashed the two together. And that's how that story was prepared - created, I would say."

Pecker further disclosed a disturbing pattern of collaboration with former Trump fixer, Michael Cohen. He stated that Cohen would contact him, requesting negative articles about various political adversaries, including Ted Cruz, Ben Carson, and Marco Rubio. Cohen would then provide information to serve as the basis for these stories, which the National Enquirer would embellish.

The former publisher revealed that his motive for assisting the Trump campaign was to support Trump's presidential bid. Pecker disclosed that he conveyed to the editor-in-chief that their intention was to aid the campaign and requested that they keep their actions as discreet as possible.

This courtroom testimony has shed light on the manipulative tactics employed by the National Enquirer during the 2016 presidential election. The admission from David Pecker raises concerns about the role played by media outlets in shaping public opinion and spreading false information.

As the trial proceeds, more details may emerge about the dynamics between Pecker, Cohen, and the National Enquirer, and their alleged collaboration with the Trump campaign. These revelations have reignited debates about the ethics of journalism and the responsibility of media organizations to uphold the truth, especially during critical political events.

The implications of this testimony are far-reaching, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability within the media industry. The sensational disclosure by Pecker serves as a stark reminder of the power of the press and the importance of promoting responsible and ethical journalism to protect the integrity of democratic processes.