ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - April 25, 2024
Summary
TLDRIn a day filled with legal drama, Donald Trump's claim of absolute immunity from criminal prosecution is being tested in the Supreme Court, as his lawyers argue that his actions to overturn the 2020 election are protected under presidential powers. The court is considering the implications for future presidencies. Meanwhile, Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction is overturned by New York's appellate court, citing errors during the trial that affected its fairness. Campus protests against the Gaza war escalate, leading to violent confrontations with police and numerous arrests. Authorities are investigating the death of a man following a struggle with police, captured on body camera footage. The weather presents a severe challenge with tornado watches across several states, and a harrowing landing attempt at L.A.X. ends with a Boeing 747 having to abort its first attempt. The NFL Draft is on the horizon, with thousands of fans gathering in Detroit to witness the event.
Takeaways
- 📜 Donald Trump's legal battles are taking place in multiple courts, with significant implications for the former president and the scope of presidential immunity.
- 🏛️ The Supreme Court is considering Trump's claim to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
- 🎓 A New York appellate court has overturned Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction, citing errors by the judge during the trial and indicating the case is likely to face a retrial.
- 🚨 Disturbing footage has emerged of police crackdowns on campus protests across the U.S., with officers using force at Emory University and protests escalating at various schools.
- 🌪️ Severe weather warnings are in place from Texas to Iowa, with millions bracing for four days of storms, including tornado watches across several states.
- ✈️ A harrowing landing at L.A.X. was caught on camera, showing a 747 bouncing down the runway before the pilot had to abort the landing and try again.
- 🏈 The NFL Draft is set to begin shortly, with hundreds of thousands of fans gathering in Detroit to see which players will be selected for the top spots.
- 🤝 The NFL is partnering with the Special Olympics during the draft, bringing young Michigan athletes together with the top draft picks.
- 🚨 Authorities are investigating the death of a man in Ohio after a confrontation with police, during which he was held down by an officer's knee and claimed he couldn't breathe.
- 🌎 An ABC News investigation has found that plastic bags intended for recycling in the U.S. may end up in foreign countries, sometimes in facilities involved in illegal dumping or operating without a license.
- 📊 Walmart, one of the companies involved in the plastic recycling program, has stated they are continuously improving their recycling program and are working on new contracts to ensure proper recycling.
Q & A
What legal battle is Donald Trump currently involved in?
-Donald Trump is involved in a historic legal battle that is unfolding in multiple courts, with the Supreme Court hearing arguments over Trump's claim of absolute immunity and his efforts to avoid prosecution for attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
What was the outcome of the Harvey Weinstein case in New York's appellate court?
-New York's appellate court overturned Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction, citing egregious errors by the judge overseeing the trial. The case, which launched the Me Too movement, is now likely headed for a retrial.
What is the status of the campus protests across the U.S.?
-Campus protests across the U.S. are ongoing, with disturbing images of police crackdowns at Emory University and new pro-Palestinian demonstrations breaking out at more schools. USC has canceled its main graduation ceremony as protesters face a deadline to clear out at Columbia.
What severe weather conditions are expected from Texas to Iowa?
-Millions are bracing for four days of severe storms from Texas to Iowa, with tornado watches across several states at the moment.
What was the issue with the 747 landing at L.A.X.?
-The 747 had a harrowing landing at L.A.X., bouncing down the runway, which forced the pilot to pull up for another try.
What is the current situation with Donald Trump's case at the Supreme Court?
-The Supreme Court is considering whether a president can have immunity for an official act but not for his private conduct. The court is expected to make a ruling by June, and the outcome will likely result in more litigation in the lower courts and a delay of any trial until after the election.
What was David Pecker's role in the case involving Donald Trump?
-David Pecker, the former publisher of 'The National Enquirer,' testified that at Trump's direction, his company made payments to keep quiet about alleged affairs, specifically to former Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Why was the testimony of uncharged crimes at Weinstein's trial deemed unnecessary?
-The testimony of uncharged crimes at Weinstein's trial was deemed unnecessary because it was meant only to establish his propensity to commit the crimes charged, rather than to establish his intent.
What is the current situation with the campus protests at Columbia University?
-Protesters at Columbia University have been given a deadline to clear their tent encampment. They are currently in talks with university officials, with one student stating that the negotiation process has been challenging.
What is the focus of the ABC News investigation into plastic bag recycling?
-The ABC News investigation focuses on the trail of plastic waste that consumers think they are recycling. It reveals that some of the plastic bags marked for recycling in the U.S. end up in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, where they may be involved in illegal dumping or operating without proper licenses.
What was the outcome of the attempted landing at L.A.X.?
-The Lufthansa flight attempting to land at L.A.X. had a rough landing, with the Boeing 747 bouncing down the runway. The pilot decided to go around for another attempt, and the plane was able to land smoothly on the second try without any injuries.
Outlines
📚 Supreme Court Hears Trump's Absolute Immunity Claim
The Supreme Court is deliberating on Donald Trump's claim to absolute immunity, considering its implications for the presidency and the country's future. Trump's lawyers argue that as president, he is immune from criminal prosecution for official acts, while the prosecution contends that presidents are not above the law. The court is examining if a president can have immunity for official acts but not for personal conduct. Justices appear to be seeking a middle ground that distinguishes between presidential duties and personal actions.
📰 'National Enquirer' Publisher Testifies in Trump Hush Money Case
David Pecker, former publisher of 'The National Enquirer,' testified in a case involving Donald Trump's alleged hush money payment to conceal an affair before the 2016 election. Pecker stated that the parent company of 'The National Enquirer' purchased the story of Karen McDougal at Trump's direction, which could have been damaging to his campaign. Trump is accused of falsifying business records to hide the payment. Pecker also mentioned discussions with White House officials and Trump's continued interest in McDougal's situation after his election.
🎬 Harvey Weinstein's Rape Conviction Overturned
In a significant turn of events, Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction was overturned by New York's highest court, which cited 'egregious errors' by the judge during the trial. The court argued that the admission of uncharged sexual acts was unnecessary and prejudiced the case. Weinstein's legal team expressed that they always believed he did not receive a fair trial. The Manhattan D.A. announced plans to retry the case, while Weinstein remains in prison.
🌎 Campus Protests and the Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations
Protests against the war in Gaza have escalated on college campuses across the U.S., leading to violent confrontations with the police and numerous arrests. At Emory University in Atlanta, a state trooper was seen repeatedly using a taser on a protester. Over 400 people have been detained as pro-Palestinian protesters demand divestment from companies profiting from ties to Israel. Columbia University, where the movement began, has given protesters a deadline to dismantle their encampment, with ongoing negotiations between the protesters and university officials.
🌪 Severe Weather Threat Across the Heartland
Severe weather threatens the heartland of the U.S. with tornado watches in effect for multiple states and over 20 million people on alert. The first round of storms has already produced a confirmed tornado in western Kansas. The most significant tornado threat is anticipated for the area between Omaha and Kansas City. A second round of severe weather is expected to impact the region over the weekend, with the potential for explosive activity along the I-35 corridor, reaching St. Louis and Chicago.
🛍️ The Fate of Recycled Plastic Bags
An 18-month investigation by ABC News has revealed potential mishandling in the recycling of plastic bags. Tracking devices placed in plastic bag recycling bins at Walmart stores across the U.S. showed that some bags ended up thousands of miles away, with some in facilities involved in apparent illegal dumping in Indonesia and others in a facility in Malaysia operating without an import license. Walmart's Chief Sustainability Officer declined an interview but mentioned ongoing improvements to their recycling program.
🚨 Police Confrontation Leads to Death in Ohio
Authorities in Canton, Ohio, have released body camera footage showing the moments leading to the death of Frank Tyson after a confrontation with police. The video shows an officer with his knee on Tyson's upper back for about 30 seconds, during which Tyson screams 'I can't breathe.' Tyson later died in the hospital, and two officers have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
✈️ Lufthansa Flight's Rough Landing at L.A.X.
Passengers on a Lufthansa flight experienced a tense moment as the Boeing 747 they were on bounced down the runway during an attempted landing at Los Angeles International Airport (L.A.X.). The pilot decided to abort the landing and executed a second approach, which resulted in a smooth landing. No injuries were reported from the incident.
🏈 NFL Draft Kicks Off in Detroit
The NFL Draft is set to begin in Detroit with an estimated 400,000 fans in attendance. The event has partnered with the Special Olympics, and top prospects, including quarterback Caleb Williams and running back Jayden Daniels, shared their thoughts on the momentous occasion. Williams, expected to be the first overall pick by the Chicago Bears, expressed his readiness for the moment, while Daniels, a likely second pick, spoke about embracing his destiny.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Absolute Immunity
💡Supreme Court
💡Hush Money Payment
💡Harvey Weinstein
💡Campus Protests
💡Police Confrontation
💡Severe Storms
💡NFL Draft
💡Body Camera Video
💡Plastic Bag Recycling
💡Attempted Landing
Highlights
Donald Trump's legal battles are unfolding simultaneously in multiple courts, with the Supreme Court hearing arguments over his claim of absolute immunity.
The Supreme Court is considering the implications of drawing lines between political and personal actions in relation to presidential immunity.
Justice Neil Gorsuch suggests the court is writing a rule that will stand the test of time, indicating the significance of the decision.
The Supreme Court is expected to issue their decision by June, which could delay any trial until after the election.
David Pecker, former publisher of 'The National Enquirer,' testifies about payments made to keep alleged affairs quiet during Trump's 2016 campaign.
Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction is overturned by New York's appellate court, citing egregious errors during the trial.
Emory University experiences a police crackdown on campus protests, with officers seen using tasers on a protester.
USC cancels its main graduation ceremony amidst pro-Palestinian demonstrations and a deadline for protesters to clear out at Columbia.
Authorities are investigating the death of a man following a confrontation with police, where body camera footage captured the man saying, "I can't breathe."
Millions are bracing for four days of severe storms from Texas to Iowa, with tornado watches currently active across several states.
A harrowing landing attempt at L.A.X. sees a 747 bounce down the runway, forcing the pilot to abort and try again.
The NFL Draft is set to begin shortly, with hundreds of thousands of fans gathering in Detroit to see the top picks.
Trump's lawyers argue for absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Special Counsel Jack Smith's lawyers argue that presidents are not above the law if they commit crimes.
The Supreme Court justices are considering the distinction between a president's official acts and private conduct regarding immunity.
David Pecker's testimony reveals that Trump inquired about Karen McDougal's situation even after becoming president.
Ashley Judd, one of the women who accused Harvey Weinstein, spoke out about the entitlement to women's bodies in America.
Campus protests over the war in Gaza are spreading to more colleges and universities, with violent confrontations and arrests at Emory in Atlanta.
Transcripts
>>> TONIGHT, DONALD TRUMP'S
HISTORIC LEGAL BATTLE
SIMULTANEOUSLY UNFOLDING IN
MULTIPLE COURTS.
>>> AND THE STUNNING DECISION,
HARVEY WEINSTEIN'S CONVICTION
OVERTURNED IN NEW YORK.
>>> FIRST, THE SUPREME COURT
TAKES ON DONALD TRUMP'S CLAIM OF
ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY, HEARING
ARGUMENTS OVER TRUMP'S EFFORTS
TO AVOID PROSECUTION FOR
ATTEMPTING TO OVERTURN THE
RESULTS OF THE 2020 ELECTION.
THE JUSTICES CITING THE MASSIVE
IMPLICATIONS, DRAWING LINES
BETWEEN POLITICAL AND PERSONAL
ACTIONS.
JUSTICE NEIL GORSUCH DECLARING
THEY ARE, QUOTE, WRITING A RULE
FOR THE AGES.
HOW LONG BEFORE THEY ISSUE THEIR
DECISION?
WILL THE CASE GO TO TRIAL BEFORE
THE ELECTION, IF AT ALL?
TERRY MORAN AT THE SUPREME
COURT.
>>> THE CRIMINAL TRIAL OF DONALD
TRUMP HERE IN NEW YORK.
THE FORMER PUBLISHER OF "THE
NATIONAL ENQUIRER," DAVID
PECKER, DESCRIBING PAYMENTS TO
MADE TO PLAYBOY MODEL KAREN
McDOUGAL, WHO CLAIMED TO HAVE A
YEAR-LONG RELATIONSHIP WITH
TRUMP.
AARON KATERSKY AT THE
COURTHOUSE.
>>> THE STUNNING DECISION
INVOLVING DISGRACED MOVIE MOGUL
HARVEY WEINSTEIN.
NEW YORK'S APPELLATE COURT
OVERTURNING HIS RAPE CONVICTION.
THE CASE THAT LAUNCHED THE ME
TOO MOVEMENT, NOW LIKELY HEADED
FOR A RETRIAL.
>>> DISTURBING IMAGES OF THE
POLICE CRACKDOWN ON CAMPUS
PROTESTS ACROSS THE U.S.
OFFICERS TASING A PROTESTER AT
EMORY UNIVERSITY.
NEW PRO-PALESTINIAN
DEMONSTRATIONS BREAKING OUT AT
MORE SCHOOLS.
USC NOW CANCELING ITS MAIN
GRADUATION CEREMONY, AS
PROTESTERS FACE A DEADLINE TO
CLEAR OUT AT COLUMBIA.
STEPHANIE RAMOS STANDING BY.
>>> AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING
THE DEATH OF A MAN FOLLOWING A
CONFRONTATION WITH POLICE.
BODY CAMERA VIDEO SHOWING HIM
STRUGGLING WITH OFFICERS AFTER A
CRASH.
AN OFFICER SEEN WITH HIS KNEE ON
THE MAN'S BACK AS HE SCREAMS, "I
CAN'T BREATHE."
>>> MILLIONS BRACING FOR FOUR
DAYS OF SEVERE STORMS FROM TEXAS
TO IOWA.
TORNADO WATCHES ACROSS SEVERAL
STATES AT THIS HOUR.
ROB MARCIANO TIMING IT OUT.
>>> THE HARROWING LANDING AT
L.A.X.
THE 747 BOUNCING DOWN THE
RUNWAY, ATTEMPTING TO LAND.
THE PILOT FORCED TO PULL UP FOR
ANOTHER TRY.
>>> AND THE NFL DRAFT JUST A
SHORT TIME FROM NOW.
HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF FANS
PACKING INTO DETROIT TO SEE WHO
WILL GO NUMBER ONE.
>>> GOOD EVENING, IT'S GREAT TO
HAVE YOU WITH US ON THIS
THURSDAY NIGHT, I'M WHIT
JOHNSON, IN FOR DAVID.
WE BEGIN WITH A HISTORIC AND
HEAD-SPINNING DAY OF LEGAL
DRAMA, FROM NEW YORK TO
WASHINGTON.
DONALD TRUMP AND HIS ALLEGED
EFFORTS TO INFLUENCE ELECTIONS
AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL.
AT THE SUPREME COURT, THE FORMER
PRESIDENT'S CASE TESTING THE
BOUNDARIES OF PRESIDENTIAL
POWER.
TRUMP'S LAWYERS ARGUING HE HAS
ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY FROM CRIMINAL
PROSECUTION FOR HIS ATTEMPTS TO
OVERTURN THE 2020 ELECTION.
LAWYERS FOR SPECIAL COUNSEL JACK
SMITH, WHO IS PROSECUTING TRUMP
FOR THOSE EFFORTS, ARGUING THAT
PRESIDENTS ARE NOT ABOVE THE LAW
IF THEY COMMIT CRIMES.
THE JUSTICES ACKNOWLEDGING THE
CASE BEFORE THEM IS NOT JUST
ABOUT FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD
TRUMP, BUT ALSO ABOUT FUTURE
PRESIDENTS AND THE PRESIDENCY
ITSELF.
ONE CRITICAL QUESTION THEY'RE
CONSIDERING, WHETHER A PRESIDENT
CAN HAVE IMMUNITY FOR AN
OFFICIAL ACT, BUT NOT HIS
PRIVATE CONDUCT.
ABC'S TERRY MORAN LEADS US OFF
AT THE SUPREME COURT.
>> Reporter: AT THE HEART OF
THIS CASE, DONALD TRUMP'S
UNPRECEDENTED CLAIM.
HIS LAWYER TELLING THE JUSTICES
THAT PRESIDENTS CAN NEVER FACE
CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FOR
ANYTHING THEY DO IN OFFICE THAT
CAN BE LINKED TO THEIR OFFICIAL
DUTIES.
ABSOLUTE IMMUNITY.
>> WITHOUT PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY
FROM CRIMINAL PROSECUTION, THERE
CAN BE NO PRESIDENCY AS WE KNOW
IT.
>> Reporter: THE SHEER MAGNITUDE
OF THAT CLAIM HUNG OVER THE
COURTROOM.
SEVERAL JUSTICES ACKNOWLEDGING
THE STAKES.
>> THIS CASE HAS HUGE
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PRESIDENCY,
FOR THE FUTURE OF THE
PRESIDENCY, FOR THE FUTURE OF
THE COUNTRY, IN MY VIEW.
>> WHATEVER WE DECIDE IS GOING
TO APPLY TO ALL FUTURE
PRESIDENTS.
>> Reporter: TRUMP ARGUES THAT
BECAUSE OF THAT ABSOLUTE
IMMUNITY CLAIM, HE CANNOT BE
PROSECUTED BY SPECIAL COUNSEL
JACK SMITH FOR HIS EFFORTS TO
OVERTURN THE 2020 ELECTION.
LIBERAL JUSTICES WERE HAVING
NONE OF IT.
JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR PRESSING
TRUMP'S LAWYER ON WHERE HIS
ARGUMENT COULD LEAD.
>> THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT
ARE SO FUNDAMENTALLY EVIL, THAT
THEY HAVE TO BE PROTECTED
AGAINST.
IF THE PRESIDENT DECIDES THAT
HIS RIVAL IS A CORRUPT PERSON
AND HE ORDERS THE MILITARY, OR
ORDERS SOMEONE TO ASSASSINATE
HIM, IS THAT WITHIN HIS OFFICIAL
ACTS FOR WHICH HE CAN GET
IMMUNITY?
>> IT WOULD DEPEND ON THE
HYPOTHETICAL.
WE COULD SEE THAT COULD WELL BE
AN OFFICIAL ACT.
>> IT COULD AND WHY?
BECAUSE HE'S DOING IT FOR
PERSONAL REASONS.
>> Reporter: JUSTICE ELENA KAGAN
POINTED TO HISTORY.
>> THE FRAMERS DID NOT PUT AN
IMMUNITY CLAUSE INTO THE
CONSTITUTION.
WASN'T THE WHOLE POINT THAT THE
PRESIDENT WAS NOT A MONARCH, AND
THE PRESIDENT WAS NOT SUPPOSED
TO BE ABOVE THE LAW?
>> Reporter: AND JUSTICE
KETANJI BROWN JACKSON ASKED IF
THERE IS NO ACCOUNTABILITY, WHAT
WOULD STOP A PRESIDENT FROM
"TURNING THE OVAL OFFICE INTO
THE SEAT OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IN
THIS COUNTRY."
>> IF THE POTENTIAL FOR CRIMINAL
LIABILITY IS TAKEN OFF THE
TABLE, WOULDN'T THERE BE A
SIGNIFICANT RISK THAT FUTURE
PRESIDENTS WOULD BE EMBOLDENED
TO COMMIT CRIMES WITH ABANDON
WHILE THEY'RE IN OFFICE?
>> Reporter: BUT CONSERVATIVE
JUSTICES, WHILE NOT EMBRACING
THE FULL TRUMP ARGUMENT, MADE
THE CASE THAT PRESIDENTS NEED
SOME PROTECTION FROM CRIMINAL
PROSECUTION.
>> PRESIDENTS HAVE TO MAKE A LOT
OF TOUGH DECISIONS ABOUT
ENFORCING THE LAW AND THEY HAVE
TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT
QUESTIONS THAT ARE UNSETTLED.
DID I UNDERSTAND YOU TO SAY,
WELL, YOU KNOW, IF HE MAKES A
MISTAKE, HE MAKES A MISTAKE,
HE'S SUBJECT TO THE CRIMINAL
LAWS JUST LIKE ANYBODY ELSE?
YOU DON'T THINK HE'S IN A
SPECIAL -- A PECULIARLY
PRECARIOUS POSITION?
>> Reporter: IN THE END, THE
COURT SEEMED TO BE SEARCHING FOR
A MIDDLE GROUND -- A LINE
BETWEEN PRESIDENTS' OFFICIAL
ACTS, AND THEIR PURELY PERSONAL
DEEDS, WHICH COULD BE GROUNDS
FOR PROSECUTION.
AND THEY HINTED THEY COULD SEND
THE WHOLE CASE BACK DOWN TO THE
TRIAL COURT FOR FURTHER
PROCEEDINGS.
>> EVEN IF THE COURT WERE
INCLINED TO RECOGNIZE SOME
IMMUNITY FOR A FORMER
PRESIDENT'S OFFICIAL ACTS, IT
SHOULD REMAND FOR TRIAL BECAUSE
THE INDICTMENT ALLEGES
SUBSTANTIAL PRIVATE CONDUCT --
>> YES.
>> Whit: TERRY MORAN JOINING US
FROM THE SUPREME COURT.
AND TERRY, THE JUSTICES ARE
EXPECTED TO MAKE A RULING BY
JUNE, BUT THEY MADE IT VERY
CLEAR THEY KNOW EXACTLY HOW HIGH
THE STAKES ARE.
>> Reporter: AND YOU COULD FEEL
THAT IN THE COURTROOM, WHIT.
IT'S CLEAR THAT AT THE END OF
THE DAY HERE, THE JUSTICES,
MAJORITY OF THEM, WANT
PRESIDENTS TO HAVE SOME
PROTECTION FROM PROSECUTION, BUT
NOT AS MUCH AS TRUMP WANTS, AND
THAT LIKELY MEANS A COMPLICATED
OPINION, MORE LITIGATION IN THE
LOWER COURTS, AND AN ALMOST
CERTAIN DELAY OF ANY TRIAL IN
THIS CASE UNTIL AFTER THE
WHIT?
>> Whit: TERRY, THANK YOU.
AND AS THOSE ARGUMENTS WERE
GETTING UNDER WAY, DONALD TRUMP
WAS IN A MANHATTAN COURTROOM
FACING CHARGES SURROUNDING A
HUSH MONEY PAYMENT MADE TO HIDE
AN ALLEGED AFFAIR FROM VOTERS
JUST BEFORE THE 2016 ELECTION.
THE FORMER PUBLISHER OF "THE
NATIONAL ENQUIRER" DAVID PECKER
TESTIFYING FOR A THIRD DAY, AND
PROSECUTORS FINALLY ASKING ABOUT
STORMY DANIELS.
ABC'S SENIOR INVESTIGATIVE
CORRESPONDENT AARON KATERSKY IS
AT THE COURTHOUSE.
>> Reporter: TONIGHT, THE FORMER
PUBLISHER OF "THE NATIONAL
ENQUIRER" TESTIFYING THAT EVEN
AFTER TRUMP BECAME PRESIDENT, HE
STILL KEPT TABS ON WOMEN WHO HAD
BEEN PAID TO KEEP QUIET ABOUT
THEIR ALLEGED AFFAIRS.
>> DAVID'S BEEN VERY NICE.
NICE GUY.
>> Reporter: PECKER TELLING THE
JURY THAT AT TRUMP'S DIRECTION,
"THE ENQUIRER'S" PARENT COMPANY
BOUGHT THE STORY OF FORMER
"PLAYBOY" MODEL KAREN McDOUGAL,
WHO CLAIMED SHE HAD A YEAR-LONG
SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH TRUMP.
PECKER SAYING IT COULD BE "VERY
EMBARRASSING" TO TRUMP'S
CAMPAIGN.
HE DESCRIBED A MEETING AT TRUMP
TOWER SHORTLY AFTER THE
ELECTION.
TRUMP SAYING, "I WANT TO THANK
YOU FOR HANDLING THE McDOUGAL
SITUATION."
THEN ASKING, "HOW'S OUR GIRL?"
PECKER REPLYING, "SHE'S QUIET.
THINGS ARE GOING FINE."
MONTHS LATER, TRUMP INVITED
PECKER TO THE WHITE HOUSE AND
ASKED AGAIN, "HOW'S KAREN
DOING?"
PECKER RECALLED RESPONDING,
"SHE'S DOING WELL.
SHE'S QUIET."
AND HE DESCRIBED A PHONE CALL
WHERE TOP WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS
HOPE HICKS AND
SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS
ENCOURAGED HIM TO KEEP PAYING
McDOUGAL.
>> MR. TRUMP, DO YOU STILL LIKE
PECKER?
>> Reporter: AND THEN THERE WAS
STORMY DANIELS, THE PORN STAR AT
THE HEART OF THIS CASE.
TRUMP CHARGED WITH FALSIFYING
BUSINESS RECORDS TO CONCEAL A
HUSH MONEY PAYMENT SO VOTERS
WOULDN'T LEARN OF THEIR ALLEGED
AFFAIR.
IN THE FINAL WEEKS OF THE
CAMPAIGN, PECKER SAID HE TOLD
TRUMP'S FIXER MICHAEL COHEN
DANIELS WAS SHOPPING HER STORY.
HE SAYS COHEN TOLD HIM TO BUY
IT, BUT PECKER REFUSED, TELLING
COHEN, "I AM NOT GOING TO GET
INVOLVED WITH A PORN STAR.
I AM NOT A BANK."
ULTIMATELY, COHEN HIMSELF PAID
DANIELS $130,000 TO KEEP QUIET.
PROSECUTORS SAY TRUMP PAID COHEN
BACK, FALSELY LABELING IT AS
LEGAL EXPENSES.
TRUMP HAS DENIED BOTH AFFAIRS.
HIS LAWYERS CLAIM ANY EFFORT TO
BURY SALACIOUS STORIES WAS TO
PROTECT TRUMP'S FAMILY.
BUT PECKER TESTIFYING THAT'S NOT
WHAT HE THOUGHT.
"I THOUGHT IT WAS FOR THE
CAMPAIGN," HE TOLD THE JURY.
"HIS FAMILY WAS NEVER
MENTIONED," ONLY "THE IMPACT IT
WOULD HAVE UPON THE ELECTION."
DAVID, PECKER SHOWED TRUMP NO
HOSTILITY, IN FACT, EVEN THOUGH
IT HAS BEEN FIVE YEARS SINCE
PECKER SAID HE LAST SAW TRUMP,
HE STILL CONSIDERS HIM TO BE A
FRIEND.
CROSS EXAMINATION IS JUST
GETTING STARTED, WHIT, SO, DAVID
BECKER RETURNS HERE TO THE
WITNESS STAND TOMORROW.
WHIT?
>> Whit: AARON KATERSKY FOR US,
THANK YOU.
>>> NEXT TONIGHT, THE STUNNING
REVERSAL IN THE SEXUAL ASSAULT
CONVICT OF HARVEY WEINSTEIN, THE
CASE THAT GALVANIZED THE ME TOO
MOVEMENT.
A NEW YORK APPEALS COURT
THROWING OUT HIS 2020 RAPE
CONVECTION, SAYING HE DIDN'T GET
A FAIR TRIAL, BECAUSE THE JUDGE
MADE EGREGIOUS ERRORS.
HERE'S ABC'S EVA PILGRIM.
>> Reporter: IT WAS THE CASE
THAT PARKED THE ME TOO MOVEMENT.
BUT TONIGHT, A SHOCKING
REVERSAL.
HARVEY WEINSTEIN'S RAPE
CONVICTION IN NEW YORK
OVERTURNED BY THE STATE'S
HIGHEST COURT.
NEW YORK'S COURT OF APPEALS
HANDING DOWN THE 4-3 DECISION,
CITING "EGREGIOUS ERRORS" BY THE
JUDGE OVERSEEING THE TRIAL BACK
IN 2020, SAYING, "THE TRIAL
COURT ERRONEOUSLY ADMITTED
TESTIMONY OF UNCHARGED, ALLEGED
PRIOR SEXUAL ACTS AGAINST
PERSONS OTHER THAN THE
COMPLAINANTS OF THE UNDERLYING
CRIMES."
ADDING THAT TESTIMONY OF
UNCHARGED CRIMES AT THE TRIAL
"WAS UNNECESSARY" TO ESTABLISH
WEINSTEIN'S INTENT AND "SERVED
ONLY TO ESTABLISH DEFENDANT'S
PROPENSITY TO COMMIT THE CRIMES
CHARGED."
WEINSTEIN'S LEGAL TEAM HAPPILY
SURPRISED.
>> WE KNEW THAT HARVEY WEINSTEIN
DID NOT GET A FAIR TRIAL.
>> Reporter: IN FEBRUARY 2020,