Pecker, later in his testimony: "I wanted to protect AMI. I wanted to protect myself, and I also wanted to protect Donald Trump."
After the WSJ article, Pecker says AMI amended the hush-money agreement because Karen McDougal was getting "bombarded" with press inquiries. She wanted to speak without penalty. Cohen said "it was a very bad idea" and "The Boss would be very angry."
Cohen recommended that Pecker not release McDougal. Q: Did you take that advice? A: No, I did not.
"Q: Why did you want to allow Ms. McDougal to speak to the press at this point? A: I thought that the Wall Street Journal article already set the stage and the tone of what this story is, and I wanted to keep some sense of control around this story."
Pecker says he also wanted a PR rep for McDougal who reported to AMI.
Next exhibit: The amended agreement between AMI and McDougal, signed by her on Nov. 29, 2016, and by a company representative on Dec. 7, 2016.
Pecker describes Michael Cohen complaining about not being reimbursed yet: "Michael Cohen paid Stormy Daniels out of his own funds, which was the first time I heard of that. I wasn't involved in the transaction."
Pecker describes a conversation in Trump's office: "I said Michael Cohen is very concerned about his bonus for this year, and I wanted you to do that he's very loyal." He said Cohen was working very hard. "I believe that he would throw himself in front of a bus for you."
Pecker said that Trump responded that Cohen had multiple apartments in his buildings and valuable taxi medallions. "Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it," Trump added, according to Pecker. (Note: Those medallions would later figure in Cohen's prosecution.)
Pecker says Trump told him: "I wanted to thank you for taking care of the McDougal situation," then said something similar about him "taking care of the doorman situation."
Asked by the prosecutor whether Trump's concern about the stories getting out was primarily about his family or the campaign, Pecker responds: "I thought it was for the campaign."
Q: After Mr. Trump announced his candidacy for the presidency, did he ever express concern for how [...] Melania Trump would think of his affairs? A: No.