David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, has emerged as a pivotal figure in understanding Donald Trump’s media strategy and efforts to shape his public image. Pecker’s role in orchestrating deals to suppress negative stories about Trump during the 2016 election campaign has drawn significant attention and scrutiny.

Pecker’s importance to Trump stems from his position at the helm of one of the most influential tabloids in the United States. The National Enquirer, known for its sensationalist headlines and celebrity gossip, wielded considerable power in shaping public opinion, particularly among certain demographics.

During the 2016 election cycle, Pecker played a crucial role in brokering deals to silence individuals who could potentially damage Trump’s reputation. One such deal involved adult film star Stormy Daniels, who alleged an affair with Trump. Pecker’s company, American Media Inc. (AMI), purchased the rights to Daniels’ story but never published it—a tactic commonly referred to as “catch and kill.”

Similarly, Pecker facilitated a similar deal with former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who also claimed an affair with Trump. AMI acquired the rights to McDougal’s story and opted not to publish it, effectively burying the potentially damaging information.

These “catch and kill” arrangements underscore Pecker’s willingness to use his media empire to protect Trump from negative publicity. By suppressing these stories, Pecker helped shield Trump from damaging revelations during a critical period of the election campaign.

Beyond these deals, Pecker’s close relationship with Trump extended to providing favorable coverage in the National Enquirer. Reports suggest that Pecker would tip off Trump to negative stories and print positive ones about him—an arrangement that benefited both parties.

Pecker’s role in Trump’s media strategy has not gone unnoticed. Critics have raised concerns about the ethical implications of using a media outlet to suppress unfavorable information about a political candidate. Additionally, Pecker’s involvement has sparked legal scrutiny, with investigations into potential campaign finance violations and other legal matters.

As Trump’s presidency unfolded, Pecker’s influence waned, and his tenure as publisher of the National Enquirer came to an end. However, his role in shaping the media narrative surrounding Trump during the 2016 election remains a significant chapter in the broader story of Trump’s relationship with the media and the lengths to which he went to control his public image.