The century’s trial has been brought to an abrupt stop due to an unexpected toothache. Just as David Pecker, ex-publisher of the National Enquirer and the initial witness in the Donald Trump “hush money” case, was getting settled in Manhattan, Judge Juan Merchan was forced to adjourn the day by 12.30pm.
An alternative juror had a spankingly interesting dental appointment, following the fiery onset of the trial marked by heated exchanges on both ends. Despite Trump’s every entrance appearing as though he may be heading reluctantly towards the dentist’s chair, fortunately, he has yet to substitute one seat for another.
The ex-president was seen maintaining a focused, serious silence during the morning session. Both sides were diligently setting their arguments that the jury will hear for the next six weeks. The recurrence of Pecker in Trump’s life seems to have strengthened the prosecution’s key claim that the $130,000 hush money given to adult movie star, Stormy Daniels, was a mere symbol of a well-executed plot to shape public perception towards Trump’s presidential run in 2016.
The prosecution has plans to demonstrate a string of “hush and hold” deals, contending these were “an unlawful scheme aimed at tainting the fairness of a presidential election” and subsequently, highlight “the measures Donald Trump adopted to hide this election fraud.”
Todd Blanche, Trump’s advocate, initiated proceedings by admitting that Daniels had signed a non-disclosure agreement back in 2016. ”This does not amount to a crime,” he explained to the jury while dismissing the 34 charges against his client as “nothing more than paperwork.”
The morning must have been surreal for Trump who had to sit through the prosecution playing the infamous Access Hollywood tape, a past that’s been clinging onto him. Trump and Pecker shared a keen rapport for a long time. Both being New Yorkers from the same era – Pecker, born in 1951, is a Bronx native and the son of a bricklayer.
Pecker’s investments in publishing included George, a monthly magazine that was a brief journalistic endeavour spearheaded by John F Kennedy Jr in the mid-90s, and a specialty magazine showcasing Trump’s high-end hotels. This connection led to Pecker and Trump getting acquainted. Allegedly, the peculiar courtroom gathering on Monday was the first time they had seen each other in person for many years. Nonetheless, neither gentleman would perceive the forthcoming court testimony as a nostalgic return to their earlier, happier times.