NEW YORK (AP) — For six weeks, jurors at former President Donald Trump’s trial listened to 22 witnesses, examined stacks of exhibits, and heard hours of salacious testimony. Despite the tawdry details, the jury’s decision on Trump’s guilt hinges on a few crucial questions. After closing arguments on Tuesday, jurors will deliberate to determine whether Trump will be convicted of a crime or if prosecutors have failed to make their case.
Business Records or Personal Ones?
Trump faces 34 felony counts for allegedly falsifying business records related to reimbursement payments to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. The prosecution presented evidence including 11 checks, 12 ledger entries, and 11 invoices totaling $420,000 in 2017.
Prosecutors argue that these are business records, but critics say they may not qualify. The payments came from both a Trump family trust and Trump’s personal accounts, processed through the Trump Organization’s accounting staff. The jury must decide if these records were indeed business-related.
Were the Records Actually False?
Prosecutors claim the Trump Organization’s accounting entries falsely labeled the payments as “legal expense” and “retainer.” They argue these descriptions were intended to hide the true purpose of the payments: reimbursing Cohen for the hush money to Daniels.
Trump’s defense asserts the payments were legitimate legal expenses for Cohen’s services as Trump’s personal attorney. Cohen testified he did minimal legal work for Trump in 2017. The jury must evaluate the veracity of these records and whether they were intentionally falsified.
Did Trump and Daniels Have Sex — and Does It Matter?
Daniels claims she and Trump had a sexual encounter in 2006, which Trump denies. Although the trial isn’t about the alleged encounter, Daniels’ credibility is crucial. Her testimony about the $130,000 payment as hush money relates directly to the case.
The jury could convict Trump even if they doubt Daniels’ story or acquit him if they believe Trump’s denial. The key issue is whether the payment was intended to influence the 2016 election.
Will Jurors Believe Michael Cohen — and Does It Matter?
Cohen’s testimony is pivotal. He claimed Trump was involved in the hush money scheme before and after the 2016 election. Cohen’s credibility is questionable due to his prior convictions for lying to Congress and other crimes.
Prosecutors bolstered Cohen’s account with additional evidence, but Trump’s defense highlighted inconsistencies in Cohen’s testimony. The jury must decide if Cohen’s testimony, supported by circumstantial evidence, is credible.
Did Prosecutors Prove a Campaign Link and Trump’s Intent?
Even if jurors believe Trump endorsed the hush money payment, legal ambiguities remain. The prosecution must prove the payment was linked to Trump’s campaign and that he knew he was doing something illegal.
The timing of the payment suggests a campaign link, but it could also be seen as protecting Trump’s personal reputation. There is little testimony on whether Trump knew the payment was illegal, which may affect the jury’s decision.
Closing Arguments and Jury Deliberations
Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday. The judge will then instruct the jury, who will deliberate in secret. The outcome of this trial will have significant legal and political implications.
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