Trump trial in hush money case is entering the final phase
Trump Trial: The legal proceedings in former President Donald Trump’s “hush money” trial are approaching their final stages. Both the defense and prosecution have rested their cases, setting the stage for closing arguments next week.
Despite initial signals that he might take the stand, Trump ultimately decided not to testify in his own defense. Instead, the defense team called two witnesses: a legal analyst and attorney Robert Costello.
Costello’s testimony aimed to undermine the prosecution’s key witness, Michael Cohen.
He detailed his interactions with Cohen, which began in April 2018 after Cohen’s home and office were searched by the FBI. Costello stated that Cohen told him Trump “knew nothing” about the $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016.
According to Costello, Cohen claimed to have funded the payment himself.
However, Cohen testified that Trump was aware of a plan to cover up the payments by reimbursing him.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, testified that he never trusted Costello and lied to him to protect himself.
This conflicting testimony between Costello and Cohen has been a critical element of the Trump trial.
With both sides having rested their cases, the Trump trial will adjourn until next Tuesday, when closing arguments will commence.
Over the course of the trial, 22 witnesses testified.
The prosecution presented 20 witnesses over 19 days in Trump trial, totaling more than 50 hours of testimony. In contrast, the defense called just two witnesses, with less than two hours of testimony.
The prosecution wrapped up its case on Monday, highlighting the testimony of Michael Cohen.
Prosecutors aimed to demonstrate that Trump falsified business documents to conceal the hush money payment made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
Cohen’s testimony has been pivotal for the prosecution’s argument.
Judge Juan Merchan informed the court that closing arguments will take at least a day, followed by approximately an hour of jury instructions.
He decided to delay summations due to this week’s abbreviated schedule, stating that it is preferable not to break up summations. Deliberations could begin as early as next Wednesday.
Before entering the courtroom on Day 20 of the trial, Trump expressed his frustration, stating he would rather be campaigning.
He labeled the trial as a “kangaroo court” and suggested that the appellate division should address his legal challenges.
Trump maintained that his legal team presented a “phenomenal case” and asserted that “any other judge would’ve thrown this case out.”
As the trial nears its conclusion, both sides are preparing for closing arguments. The jury will soon be tasked with deciding the outcome based on the testimonies and evidence presented.
The central issue remains whether Trump knowingly falsified business records to cover up the alleged hush money payment.
The conclusion of this high-profile trial is imminent, and the jury’s decision will soon determine the outcome of the legal proceedings involving former President Donald Trump.
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