Closing arguments have begun in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump in New York. Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche asserted that the former president is innocent and that the district attorney has failed to meet the burden of proof. The judge will soon give instructions to the jury, comprised of 12 ordinary New Yorkers, who will deliberate on whether Trump is guilty of charges related to falsifying business records in a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election.
The defense presented its argument first, with Blanche expected to highlight the prosecution’s failure to prove Trump guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The charge of falsifying business records is a felony carrying a possible sentence of up to four years in prison, with Trump facing 34 counts. Trump’s children, Don Jr., Eric, and Tiffany, were present in court during the closing arguments. The defense argued that the money paid to Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen was for legal work, as indicated in Trump’s company records, rather than for the Daniels payment.
Prosecutors are anticipated to argue that they have proven Trump’s responsibility for falsifying business records not only to cover up another crime but also as part of a larger conspiracy to influence the 2016 election. The disguised payment to Cohen was allegedly a coordinated effort to help Trump get elected and silence detractors. The prosecution called 20 witnesses, including Cohen, Daniels, and other former associates, while the defense only called two witnesses. Despite earlier indications that he would testify, Trump did not take the stand during the trial.
After the prosecution and defense conclude their arguments, the judge will instruct the jury on relevant laws and the deliberation process. The jury is expected to deliberate for about an hour before reaching a verdict. Deliberations may commence on Wednesday morning, according to Judge Merchan. The trial began on April 15 with testimony from key witnesses and former Trump associates. The proceedings included testimony from Cohen, Daniels, and ex-National Enquirer publisher David Pecker, among others.
The case against Trump revolves around allegations of falsifying business records to cover up a payment to Daniels before the 2016 election. The trial marks the first criminal trial of a former president, with significant public attention and media coverage. Trump’s defense maintains his innocence and challenges the prosecution’s evidence, arguing that the payment to Cohen was for legitimate legal services. The upcoming jury deliberations will determine whether Trump is found guilty of the charges brought against him in this closely watched trial.
