Donald Trump’s defense team concluded their case on Tuesday without him taking the stand, despite his earlier promise to do so. The judge announced that jury deliberations in this unprecedented criminal trial are set for early next week.
After nearly five weeks of proceedings, including testimony from 19 witnesses and extensive document reviews, the trial of the first former US president is nearing its climax.
Due to New York law, the trial has not been broadcast on television, leaving experts divided on its political impact. With the next presidential election less than six months away, the jury’s decision holds significant implications for Trump, who is facing off against President Joe Biden.
Judge Juan Merchan informed jurors that closing arguments will occur next Tuesday. After these presentations, the 12-member jury will begin deliberating on Trump’s fate.
Trump is accused of unlawfully concealing hush money payments to a porn star, which could have jeopardized his 2016 presidential campaign against Hillary Clinton. His lawyers have attempted to discredit key testimony, focusing on undermining the prosecution’s star witness, Michael Cohen.
On Monday, Trump’s lawyer Robert Costello faced intense questioning over emails sent to Cohen after a 2018 FBI raid. This led to a heated exchange with Judge Merchan, who reprimanded Costello for his conduct. Outside the courtroom, Trump labeled Merchan a “tyrant” and called the proceedings a “show trial.”
Earlier, both legal teams wrapped up their questioning of Cohen, Trump’s former personal lawyer who turned against him. Cohen testified about the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, intended to silence her about an alleged affair before the 2016 election.
Trump’s defense aimed to portray Cohen as a convicted liar, referencing his prison time for tax fraud and perjury. Lawyer Todd Blanche questioned Cohen’s shifting loyalties, attempting to provoke him, but Cohen remained composed.
Cohen’s testimony aligned with that of Daniels and David Pecker, a tabloid executive who corroborated the scheme to suppress negative stories during Trump’s campaign.
During redirect examination, prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked Cohen about the personal toll of his involvement. With visible emotion, Cohen spoke of losing his law license, financial stability, and family happiness.
Throughout the trial, Trump has lamented the impact on his 2024 campaign, describing the court proceedings as a major distraction. He voiced his frustrations again on Monday, criticizing the situation as “very unfair.”
Despite the political overtones and high-profile endorsements from several Republicans, the case ultimately revolves around whether Trump’s financial records were falsified with the intent to influence the 2016 election.
