Trump NY Case
Jury Wraps First Day of Deliberations in Trump Hush-Money Trial
Trump has denied the affair and pleaded not guilty to the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
NEW YORK — The jury in the historic hush-money trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump concluded its first day of deliberations on Wednesday without reaching a verdict. The 12-member jury, composed of seven men and five women, will reconvene on Thursday morning to continue their discussions.
The trial, which has captivated national and international attention, centers on allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The payment was made by Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, in the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign to prevent Daniels from publicizing her claim of a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier.
The jury's deliberations began after nearly six weeks of testimony from over two dozen witnesses, including Cohen and former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker. The prosecution, led by Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass, argued that Trump orchestrated a scheme to silence Daniels and protect his presidential campaign. Steinglass emphasized that the case was about a conspiracy and a cover-up, asserting that Trump was fully aware of the payments and their true purpose.
In his closing arguments, Steinglass spent over four and a half hours summarizing the evidence and reiterating the prosecution's contention that Trump intended to commit, aid, or conceal a violation of election law. He argued that the hush money payment was motivated by the 2016 election and that Trump and his associates engaged in deceitful practices to cover it up.
Defense attorney Todd Blanche countered with a nearly three-hour argument, urging the jury to acquit Trump. Blanche attacked Cohen's credibility, labeling him "literally the greatest liar of all time" and questioning the reliability of his testimony. He argued that Trump was unaware of the payment to Daniels and that the reimbursements to Cohen were legitimate legal expenses.
Judge Juan Merchan provided the jury with detailed instructions on the relevant laws and the factors they must consider in reaching a verdict. He explained the difference between motive and intent, emphasizing that while the state was not required to prove motive, evidence of motive could be considered. Merchan also reminded the jurors of their commitment to be fair and impartial, urging them to set aside any biases or prejudices.
During their first day of deliberations, the jury requested transcripts of testimony from Cohen and Pecker, as well as a re-reading of Merchan's legal instructions. The jurors' interest in these testimonies suggests they are focusing on the interactions between Trump, Cohen, and Pecker, particularly regarding the August 2015 Trump Tower meeting and Pecker's agreement to serve as the campaign's "eyes and ears."
The trial has significant political implications, as Trump is simultaneously campaigning for the presidency against incumbent President Joe Biden. A conviction could potentially impact Trump's support among independent and some Republican voters, although it would not prevent him from running for or holding office. Polls have shown that public perception of the charges against Trump has remained relatively stable throughout the trial, with a consistent percentage of voters believing he did something illegal.
The jury's deliberations are taking place behind closed doors, with their identities being kept confidential to protect them from potential backlash or harassment. The six alternate jurors, who have also observed the entire trial, are being kept in a separate space in the courthouse and will be called upon if any of the primary jurors are unable to continue.
As the jury prepares to resume deliberations on Thursday, the nation waits with bated breath for a verdict in this unprecedented case. The outcome will not only determine Trump's legal fate but could also have far-reaching consequences for the upcoming presidential election and the broader political landscape.