David Pecker Reportedly Set to Be the First Witness in Trump Hush Money Trial

Prosecutors have been hesitant to share who will testify in what order during former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York — citing concerns that Trump will attack their witnesses on social media. But on the eve of the trial’s start, The New York Times has learned 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 — will be first to take the stand after opening arguments are presented.

The case centers on hush money payouts to Stormy Daniels — which prosecutors will contend was an act of election interference. In his testimony, according to 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 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???”

This story is developing.