The jury in former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York reconvened on Thursday, May 30, 2024, to continue deliberations. After reviewing pivotal testimonies and instructions from the judge, the 12 Manhattan jurors had requested a recap of crucial testimony from witnesses David Pecker and Michael Cohen regarding their interactions with Trump in 2015 and 2016. Additionally, the jury sought further clarification on the judge’s instructions guiding their decision-making process.
The requested testimonies and instructions were read aloud in court on Thursday morning, taking approximately 90 minutes. The jurors then resumed their discussions in private. Trump is facing
34 counts of falsifying business records
related to reimbursements for a “hush money” payment made by Cohen to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election. Prosecutors allege that Trump attempted to conceal this payment by misrepresenting the purpose of the reimbursements.
Key Witness Testimony in Trump Criminal Trial
The jury revisited testimonies regarding interactions among Cohen, Trump, and Pecker, CEO of American Media Inc., the National Enquirer’s parent company. The prosecution asserts that the three were involved in a “catch and kill” scheme to suppress negative stories about Trump. The jury specifically requested insights into Pecker’s 2015 phone call with Trump, Pecker’s decision against transferring life rights of a former Playboy model to Cohen, and a 2015 meeting at Trump Tower. Additionally, they sought Cohen’s testimony on the Trump Tower meeting.
Judge’s Instructions to the Jury
During the instructions, several jurors took notes as the judge explained how to make inferences from established facts, using an example of inferring rain from observing wet conditions outside. “An inference must only be drawn from a proven fact or facts, not if it is speculative,” stated the judge. Another segment covered how jurors should evaluate testimony from an accomplice, such as Cohen. The jury was instructed that they could not convict solely based on an accomplice’s testimony without corroborating evidence. The judge also clarified that a person could be held criminally liable for a crime even if they did not directly commit it.
Detailed Witness Testimony
Following the judge’s instructions, court reporters recited Pecker’s testimony. Pecker recounted a June 2016 phone call where Trump sought advice regarding a deal with former Playboy model Karen McDougal. “I think you should buy the story and take it off the market,” Pecker advised Trump. The testimony continued with Pecker’s decision not to transfer McDougal’s life rights to Cohen in September 2016, which reportedly made Cohen “very angry.” The jury also heard about a 2015 Trump Tower meeting where the “catch and kill” scheme was allegedly conceived, with Pecker agreeing to serve as Trump’s “eyes and ears” for potentially damaging stories.
