Good day, everyone. Im Andrea Mitchell in new york along with my colleague and friend, Chris Jansing, as history is being made in that Lower Manhattan courtroom. Donald trump is the first former president of the United States to stand as a defendant in a criminal trial. At any moment, could be facing the first witness to testify against him. Thats expected to be former National Enquirer publisher, david pecker. Hes likely to be pressed about alleged efforts to bury damaging stories about donald trump during the 2016 election. Earlier this morning, prosecutors gave their open statement, accusing mr. Trump of a criminal conspiracy to hide embarrassing relationships by preventing them from getting into the press, thus influencing the outcome of the 2016 election then covering it all up. The defense followed saying that mr. Trump did not commit any crimes, describing him as not just the republican nominee, but as the frugal business man, also a husband and a father. Defense lawyer todd bla
He testified to here in new york state. Thats a legal function of the law in new york. But did mr. Pecker offer them numerous Practice Sessions as we know Michael Cohen has because weve seen him with our own eyes and cameras outside 1 Hogan Place here . My guess is no. Thats probably an explanation for why pecker didnt seem to get the gist of the prosecutor josh steinglass. His overall demeanor is sort of like Benevolent Grandma from boca. Hes friendly. Hes jovial. What he isnt, as rachel mentioned, is particularly direct. I would predict were here with mr. Pecker for at least another couple days. We should see him throughout tomorrow after the Gag Order Contempt hearing and possibly into thursday as well. As the prosecution told us at the beginning of their opening statement, this whole case is about a conspiracy between three