As both sides work on jury instructions and ready their closing arguments in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, The Hill claims that jurors will focus on several key issues:
“The defense rested in the criminal trial of former President Trump on Tuesday, signaling that the proceedings are in the final stretch.
“With Memorial Day looming, Judge Juan Merchan told jurors they would not be needed until next Tuesday, when he expects both sides to deliver closing arguments. Then, the former president’s fate will be left in the jury’s hands. Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
“The charges pertain to a $130,000 payment made to porn Stormy Daniels in the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign. The money was intended to stop Daniels from going public with her allegation that she had sex with Trump a decade prior.
“The former president’s then-attorney Michael Cohen paid the money to Daniels and was later reimbursed from Trump’s personal account and a Trump trust. Prosecutors allege the payments to Cohen were falsely classified as legal expenses to conceal their true purpose — keeping Daniels quiet and thereby boosting Trump’s electoral hopes.
“The defense lawyers contend no offense exists. They note that nondisclosure agreements are legal and say the payments to Cohen were correctly categorized. Trump has repeatedly alleged that the case is politically motivated. Here are five big moments jurors will have to weigh.”
To read the entire article by The Hill, please click HERE.