In a recent development from a Manhattan criminal court, jurors heard an audio recording involving former President Donald Trump and his former attorney, Michael Cohen, discussing how to manage a hush money payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal in 2016. The discussion aimed at preventing McDougal from going public with allegations of an affair with Trump. The tape was presented as part of Trump’s ongoing criminal trial.

In the recorded conversation, Cohen is heard discussing the creation of a company specifically for managing the payout, mentioning the involvement of David Pecker, then the publisher of the National Enquirer, and Allen Weisselberg, former CFO of the Trump Organization. Pecker confirmed orchestrating a $150,000 payment for the story, intended to support Trump’s presidential campaign by keeping McDougal’s allegations under wraps. This approach, often termed “catch and kill,” involved purchasing the rights to a story only to prevent its publication.

Despite plans detailed in the recording, Cohen testified that the LLC meant to handle the transaction was never funded and Pecker eventually abandoned the arrangement after legal consultation. The recording primarily highlighted Trump’s potential awareness and involvement in the scheme but did not address another notable payment to Stormy Daniels, another woman claiming an affair with Trump.

The trial included debates over Trump’s respect for a court-imposed gag order, with prosecutors arguing for a contempt ruling due to Trump’s remarks about the jury. Defense efforts focused on undermining the credibility of Keith Davidson, the lawyer representing both McDougal and Daniels, portraying him unfavorably.

Trump, who faces charges concerning the falsification of records related to financial reimbursements for the hush money payments, continues to attract significant media attention as the court proceedings unfold.