NEW YORK, USA: The historic trial of Donald Trump reaches its final stage on Tuesday, with closing arguments presented to the jury. They must decide if the former US president will receive the first ever criminal conviction of a former US president, mere months before the American voters decide whether to return Trump to the White House.
Trump is accused of falsifying business records to silence porn star Stormy Daniels regarding a 2006 sexual encounter that could have jeopardized his 2016 presidential bid. A conviction on any of the 34 counts could result in up to four years in prison per count, though legal experts suggest that as a first-time offender, jail time is unlikely.
A conviction would not prevent Trump from running as the Republican presidential candidate against Democrat Joe Biden in November. The trial, spanning nearly five weeks and featuring testimony from over 20 witnesses, now culminates in closing arguments.
Trump chose not to testify, avoiding potential legal risks and cross-examination. However, he found it difficult to remain a passive defendant, especially during Daniels’ graphic testimony about their alleged encounter. Outside the courtroom, Trump frequently criticized Judge Juan Merchan and decried the trial as “election interference” by Democrats.
Prominent Republicans, including vice-presidential hopefuls, have shown their support for Trump during the trial. Trump was cited ten times for contempt of court and fined $10,000 for violating a gag order against publicly attacking witnesses, the jury, and court staff.
Judge Merchan anticipates that closing arguments will take up all of Tuesday, with jury deliberations likely to start on Wednesday. A unanimous decision is required for a verdict; any holdout could result in a mistrial.
Key prosecution witness Michael Cohen, Trump’s former “fixer,” testified that the $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels was to protect Trump’s presidential campaign. The defence sought to discredit Cohen, highlighting his previous lies to Congress and his imprisonment for tax fraud. The defence called only two witnesses before resting their case.
In addition to this trial, Trump faces other legal challenges, including charges in Washington and Georgia related to the 2020 election and charges in Florida for mishandling classified documents. None of these trials are expected before the November election.
