'I still consider him a friend,' Pecker says of Trump
Former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker concluded his direct examination by offering kind words about the former president.
"I felt that Donald Trump was my mentor. He helped me throughout my career," Pecker said, detailing how Trump reached out to help after one of Pecker's employees died from an anthrax attack in 2001.
"The first person who called me if I needed help was Donald Trump, and he was very helpful," Pecker said.
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Pecker confirmed that he has not spoken to Trump since early 2019, though the former president sent his regards through mutual friends who saw the former president at Mar-a-Lago.
"I thought the investigation that was going on at the same time -- I thought it was inappropriate to respond or have any conversations with Mr. Trump," Pecker said.
Pecker said he still considers Trump to be a friend.
"I have no ill will at all," Pecker said about Trump. "Even though we haven't spoke … I still consider him a friend."