Manhattan, New York – Jury deliberations commenced on Wednesday in the landmark criminal trial against former President Donald Trump, marking the first time a former president has faced such charges in American history. Judge Juan Merchan delivered instructions to the 12-person jury, outlining the laws that would guide their decision in this historic case. The jury’s verdict, which carries significant implications, could be reached as early as Wednesday afternoon or could extend into the following week.
In a lengthy 4½-hour closing argument that stretched late into the night, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass emphasized the jury’s power to hold the defendant accountable. As the country awaits the highly anticipated verdict, the public remains unaware of the deliberations occurring behind closed doors.
Judge Merchan urged the jury to set aside personal biases when evaluating Trump’s guilt, reiterating the prosecution’s responsibility to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Reminding jurors that Trump’s decision not to testify should not influence their judgment, Merchan stressed that a unanimous decision is necessary.
The charges against Trump, filed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, relate to 34 counts of falsifying business records linked to a hush money payment made by Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors allege Trump orchestrated a scheme to reimburse Cohen through fraudulent transactions labeled as legal expenses.
Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, argued vehemently for his innocence, contending that the records were not falsified as they were legitimate payments for legal services. Steinglass, however, refuted this claim, pointing to Trump’s admission of reimbursing Cohen in the past.
Throughout the trial, Cohen emerged as a crucial witness for prosecutors, despite Blanche questioning his credibility due to past dishonesty. As deliberations unfold, Trump faces the possibility of up to four years in prison if convicted, with the Secret Service actively monitoring developments.
As Trump continues to challenge the trial’s legitimacy through his social media platform, Truth Social, his supporters rally outside the courthouse, underscoring the intense public interest surrounding the case. The outcome remains uncertain, with the jury’s decision looming large in what has become a historic legal battle.