Donald Trump came face-to-face with former ally David Pecker at his hush money trial, but didn’t make eye contact as Pecker took the witness stand.
Donald Trump came face-to-face with former ally David Pecker at his Manhattan hush money trial Monday, but the former president notably didn’t make eye contact as Pecker took the witness stand.
Pecker — the former National Enquirer publisher — was the first person to testify against Trump, 77, as the historic trial kicked off Monday morning, marking the first time a US president has ever faced a criminal case.
Pecker, 72 — wearing a dark gray suit, yellow tie and his distinctive slicked back silver hair and mustache — didn’t meet Trump’s gaze on his way to and from the stand.
He also avoided press cameras by coming through the side door of the courtroom typically used by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
The former commander-in-chief appeared to be actively listening during the start of Pecker’s testimony—— including chatting and passing notes to his lawyer.
Pecker’s brief stint on the stand Monday lasted for roughly 20 minutes, as court was let out early so a juror could attend an emergency dental appointment and to give people sufficient time to prepare for the Jewish holiday of passover — which starts Monday evening.
On Pecker’s way out of the courtroom, he gave a slight nod in the direction of the defense table, though it wasn’t clear who he was acknowledging.
He’s due back in court Tuesday morning to continue testifying.
It is not immediately clear what the current status of Trump and Pecker’s relationship is, and if they are still pals. Pecker acknowledged Monday he had been subpoenaed to appear at the trial.
