It has been noted that the prosecutors have been reluctant to share who will testify in what order during former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York. They cited concerns that Trump will blast their witnesses on social media. However, on the eve of the trial’s start, The New York Times has reported who will kick off the proceedings.
The Times is reporting that David Pecker — the former National Enquirer publisher whose tabloid engaged in so-called “catch and kill” practices to bury negative stories about Trump is set to be first to take the stand after opening arguments are presented.
It has come to light that the case centers on hush money payouts to Stormy Daniels, a former adult film star which prosecutors will contend was an act of election interference.
In his testimony, the Times reporters Ben Protess and John Bromwich, Pecker “is expected to recount for the jury several conversations with Mr. Trump about the hush money, according to a person familiar with the plan.”
A gag order was also imposed on Trump bars him from attacking witnesses in the case, however, prosecutors are concerned the former president will go after them anyway. Trump has repeatedly railed against the gag order, including in a post on his Truth Social platform moments after the Times report was published.
“REMOVE THE GAG ORDER!!!” Trump wrote. “WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO HIDE???”
