The people called the first #witness & #DavidPecker was sworn in.

#Pecker of The National Enquirer, was part of the #CatchAndKill #conspiracy that #Colangelo described in his opening statement, w/ #Trump & #MichaelCohen.

Prosecutor Joshua #Steinglass questioned Pecker. He began by asking him basic biographical information.

At that point, #Merchan stopped testimony, to ask jurors if they'd like writing materials to take notes. At least 10 raise their hands.

#criminal #law #TrumpTrial

Questioning resumed.

#Pecker says of his time at The #NationalEnquirer: "We used checkbook #journalism, & we paid for stories.”

#Steinglass asked him whether he had "final say" over editorial decisions. Pecker said anything >$10k had to be approved by him.

Pecker said in his experience, the only thing that's important "is the cover" of a magazine.

#criminal #law #Trump #TrumpTrial #CatchAndKill #conspiracy #ElectionInterference #HushMoney

#Steinglass asked #Pecker to recount his work cell phone number at the time.

That may seem small but it's important — it's a good bet that those numbers will come up when #evidence is presented.

#Trump leaned forward on the defense table as he listened to Pecker's testimony. As Pecker spoke about editor meetings, Trump passed notes to 2 of his lawyers before reportedly “glaring” at Pecker on the stand.

#criminal #law #TrumpTrial #CatchAndKill #conspiracy #ElectionInterference #HushMoney