Trump’s Hush Money Trial Nears Conclusion with Closing Arguments Set
Closing arguments in Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial are set for Tuesday, May 28, 2024. This pivotal moment offers Trump’s defense their final opportunity to convince the 12-member jury of his innocence, while the prosecution presents the evidence against him. The trial, historically significant as the first criminal case against a U.S. president, has spanned five weeks of testimony.
Jury Deliberations to Follow Judge’s Instructions
New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan will instruct the jury on Wednesday before they begin deliberations. The jury’s decision must be unanimous to either acquit or convict the 77-year-old Trump, who faces charges of attempting to influence the 2016 election. A hung jury could result in a retrial. The trial’s outcome could significantly impact Trump’s personal freedom and his political aspirations as the presumptive Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election against President Joe Biden.
Details of the Accusations
Trump is alleged to have approved a scheme where his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to keep her quiet about an alleged affair. Trump has denied both the affair and the 34-count indictment, which claims he falsified business records to conceal the reimbursement to Cohen, mislabeling it as legal fees.
Potential Consequences
If convicted, Trump could face probation or a prison term of up to four years. However, he is likely to appeal and continue his presidential campaign. Beyond this case, Trump is also dealing with three other indictments, including two related to his 2020 election loss. These other cases are currently enmeshed in legal complexities, making the New York case potentially the only one resolved before the November election.
Defense and Testimonies
Despite initially indicating he would testify, Trump decided not to. His defense team called two witnesses, including New York lawyer Robert Costello, who testified that Cohen assured him the hush money arrangement was his own idea, not Trump’s.
Gag Order Violations
Judge Merchan placed a gag order on Trump, which he violated multiple times, leading to fines. Trump then directed his criticism at the judge and prosecutor. He also urged Republican lawmakers, such as House Speaker Mike Johnson, to attend the trial in support. These lawmakers held press conferences outside the courtroom to criticize key witnesses like Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels.
Cohen’s Testimony
Michael Cohen testified that he did minimal legal work for Trump in 2017 and facilitated the reimbursement plan with Trump’s approval, disguising it as legal fees. Despite his crucial role, Allen Weisselberg, the former CFO of the Trump Organization, was not called as a witness.
Admissions and Financial Details
On the stand, Cohen admitted to lying to protect Trump and himself and testified that he embezzled $60,000 from Trump’s company. He explained that the reimbursement was increased to $420,000 to cover his tax liability, with Trump signing several checks.
Catch and Kill Strategy
David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, testified about a “catch and kill” strategy to suppress negative stories about Trump. This included paying $150,000 to Karen McDougal to silence her about an alleged affair. Details of this strategy can be found in catch and kill strategy.
Impact of 2005 Tape
The Washington Post revealed a 2005 tape where Trump boasted about groping women, which prompted the hush money payment to Daniels as the Trump campaign feared losing female voters. On Trump’s orders, Cohen created a shell company to facilitate the payment, contributing to Trump’s narrow victory over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.
