The jury in Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York is set to begin deliberations on Wednesday, marking the first criminal trial against a former president in U.S. history. The 12 Manhattan residents will have to reach a unanimous verdict on the 34 felony counts of falsification of business records that Trump faces. Prosecutors allege that Trump disguised reimbursements to his attorney Michael Cohen, who paid $130,000 in “hush money” to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty.
Before deliberations begin, Justice Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing the trial, will provide instructions to the jury outlining the legal issues they must consider and the conclusions they must reach to find Trump guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge mostly sided with prosecutors during a hearing last week over what these instructions will entail. On Tuesday, lawyers on both sides presented their closing arguments in the Manhattan courtroom where the trial has unfolded over the past six weeks. Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, criticized Cohen’s testimony as unreliable and argued that there were reasons to doubt the prosecutors’ case.
Joshua Steinglass, a prosecutor for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, acknowledged that Cohen was not a perfect witness but urged jurors to focus on the documents that corroborate his account. He portrayed Trump as a micromanager who would not have signed checks to Cohen without knowing their true purpose. The case hinges on whether the jury believes Cohen’s testimony and the evidence presented by prosecutors. Court reconvenes at 10 a.m.
The trial has been closely watched as it marks a significant moment in U.S. history, with a former president facing criminal charges. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for Trump’s political future and legacy. The jury’s decision will determine whether Trump is found guilty or acquitted of the charges against him. Both sides have presented their arguments, and now it is up to the jury to weigh the evidence and reach a verdict.
The trial has been contentious, with Trump’s attorney challenging the credibility of key witnesses and arguing that the prosecutors’ case is based on unreliable testimony. Prosecutors, on the other hand, have pointed to documents that support their claims and portrayed Trump as actively involved in the scheme to conceal the true purpose of the payments to Cohen. The jury will have to carefully consider all the evidence presented to them before reaching a decision. The trial has captured the attention of the public and legal experts alike, as they await the outcome of this historic case.
