Closing Arguments Set to Begin in Donald Trump’s Criminal Trial

On Tuesday, Donald Trump’s criminal trial entered its final stages as closing arguments began in court. When vying for president in 2016, the former president is accused of forging financial records relating to a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors allege this payment was intended to silence Daniels about an alleged affair, constituting election interference.

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For weeks, the trial has captivated the nation. Trump, poised to secure the Republican presidential nomination, remains defiant, denying all charges and labelling the trial a “witch hunt” on social media. Despite the legal drama, Trump maintains a competitive edge in the 2024 race, often narrowly leading President Joe Biden in polls.

Michael Cohen’s Testimony Central to Donald Trump’s Criminal Trial

Central to the case is the testimony of Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, who provided crucial evidence about Trump’s involvement in the hush-money scheme. However, Cohen’s credibility has been challenged by Trump’s defence team due to his history of lying and personal vendetta against Trump. The jury’s assessment of Cohen’s reliability could be pivotal in the trial’s outcome. 

If convicted, Trump could face jail time, though this is considered unlikely. A guilty verdict would likely lead to an extensive appeals process. Meanwhile, Trump faces additional trials related to election interference in Georgia, the January 6 Capitol attack, and mishandling sensitive documents, none of which are expected to conclude before the November election.