On Wednesday, the jury in Donald Trump’s hush-money case began deliberations at around 11:30 am local time, marking a critical phase in this high-profile trial. Trump is charged with falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. This payment was allegedly intended to keep Daniels from revealing an extramarital affair, which could have harmed Trump’s chances of winning the presidency.
Trump Denounces the Charges
Shortly after the jury started their discussions, Trump expressed his frustration, comparing himself to a saint and declaring the charges “rigged.” He stated, “Mother Teresa could not beat these charges. The whole thing is rigged.”
Jury Requests Clarifications
The jury deliberated for about four and a half hours before being dismissed at 4 pm. They sent two notes to the court: one requesting to hear trial testimonies from key witnesses, and another asking for a re-reading of Judge Juan Merchan’s instructions on the law. These instructions were meant to help the jurors understand how to evaluate the case fairly, emphasizing that the judge’s comments should not influence their decision on Trump’s guilt or innocence.
Judge’s Instructions to the Jury
Judge Merchan instructed jurors to focus solely on the facts presented during the trial and not to speculate about possible sentences for Trump. “You are the judges of the facts,” Merchan said, reminding them that it is his responsibility to determine any sentencing, not theirs.
Allegations and Testimonies
Prosecutors argue that Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, made the payment to Daniels days before the election to prevent her from making her affair with Trump public. They allege that Trump, Cohen, and David Pecker, a tabloid publisher, conspired to suppress damaging information. Jurors requested to hear testimonies from Pecker about his dealings with Trump and Cohen, particularly about a meeting at Trump Tower where the alleged plan was discussed.
Legal Arguments
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass emphasized that the case was about more than just the payment to Daniels. He argued that the conspiracy to keep negative information from voters deprived Americans of a fair choice in the election. Steinglass described the meeting between Trump, Cohen, and Pecker as a pivotal moment that potentially influenced the election outcome.
In contrast, Trump’s defense lawyer, Todd Blanche, painted Cohen as a liar and downplayed the significance of the alleged conspiracy. Blanche argued that many political campaigns engage in similar tactics to promote candidates, insisting that any such effort must be proven unlawful to be considered a crime.
Potential Outcomes and Broader Implications
As the jury continues to deliberate, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for Trump. If found guilty, Trump could face jail time, though this is seen as unlikely. Beyond this case, Trump is also facing other legal challenges related to his actions during the 2020 election, the January 6 Capitol attack, and his handling of sensitive documents after leaving office.
Despite these legal troubles, Trump remains a leading figure in the Republican party and a strong contender for the 2024 presidential election, maintaining a slight edge over Joe Biden in some polls.
The jury’s decision in this case will be a pivotal moment, potentially affecting Trump’s political future and setting a precedent for how similar cases might be handled in the future.