The criminal hush money trial of former President Donald Trump is back underway in New York City. As proceedings resumed this morning, Trump reiterated his innocence regarding the charges linked to alleged hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
Ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen is back on the stand today, undergoing cross-examination. Last week, Trump’s defense team accused Cohen of lying and seeking revenge against Trump. During today’s testimony, Cohen admitted to stealing $30,000 from the Trump Organization, a significant revelation as he serves as the prosecution’s key witness. The prosecution asserts that Cohen facilitated the hush money payments to Daniels to cover up an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. Trump has pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records related to these payments.
Before entering the courtroom, Trump once again criticized Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the trial. This follows a pattern of public attacks by Trump against the judge and the legal proceedings. Despite the tension, Judge Merchan continues to steer the trial towards its conclusion, with closing arguments expected to begin next Tuesday, May 28th.
The trial schedule has been adjusted due to various factors, including Memorial Day Weekend and a juror’s schedule conflict on Thursday. Judge Merchan decided to set the closing arguments for May 28th to avoid a prolonged gap between the arguments and the start of jury deliberations. The trial is also off on Wednesday and Friday, which influenced the scheduling decision.
It remains unclear whether Trump will take the witness stand in his defense. His legal team is wrapping up the cross-examination of Cohen, who has been on the stand for several days. The defense’s strategy and whether Trump will testify could significantly impact the trial’s outcome.
As the trial progresses towards closing arguments, the focus will be on summarizing the evidence and testimonies presented. The jury will then deliberate on whether Trump is guilty of falsifying business records in connection with the hush money payments. The outcome of this high-profile case could have far-reaching implications for Trump and his political future.
