6/ Klasfeld:
The National Enquirer's secrets spilled out in Week One of Trump's trial.
We learned:
* Top AMI exec and Enquirer editor feared prosecution
* An insider thought the tabloid handed Trump victory
* "Hush money" was just one facet
6/ Klasfeld:
The National Enquirer's secrets spilled out in Week One of Trump's trial.
We learned:
* Top AMI exec and Enquirer editor feared prosecution
* An insider thought the tabloid handed Trump victory
* "Hush money" was just one facet
7/ Klasfeld:
A few quick words on this:
Critics of Bragg's case have long ques whether alleged 2016 election-related conspiracy was a crime.
1st week of trial revealed Trump's accused co-conspirators feared criminal prosecution, as it happened.
As it became clear Trump would win, then-Enquirer editor in chief Dylan Howard sent a close relative a message saying the soon-to-be POTUS-elect may pardon him for "electoral fraud."
(Since Howard wasn't in court, jury couldn't see the message.)
8/ Klasfeld:
David Pecker pulled out of deal to assign rights to Karen McDougal's story to Michael Cohen's shell company *after* a conversation with his counsel.
What did Pecker's lawyer say?
That's privileged, and we don't know; but Pecker got cold feet right after, he revealed.
9/ And before Trump went into the court room… via Ron Filipkowski:
After doing ZERO campaign events during the last SIX off days during the trial while holed up at his country clubs playing golf, Trump whines that the case prevents him from campaigning.
10/ #BREAKING
The judge walks in. All the lawyers introduce themselves.
The lead defense lawyer Todd Blanche said he's here for "President Trump."
Justice Merchan says, "Good morning, Mr. Trump."
👉🏼👉🏼The judge rules swiftly on the contempt motions.
Trump is fined $9,000 for repeatedly posting about witnesses and jurors.
The judge declined to fine him on a single instance brought up by the DA's office. But he clearly violated the rule on the other 9.