Former President Donald Trump did not testify in his criminal trial. His defence team finished presenting their case. Here are the key points:
- Trump’s lawyers called only two witnesses in his hush money trail
- Trump decided not to take the witness stand and testify himself
- Both sides will give closing arguments next week before the jury decides the verdict
- Trump denies falsifying business records to hide payments to an adult film actress
Will the jury find Trump guilty or not guilty based on the evidence? Read on to learn more.
Trump’s Defense Rests Their Case
On Tuesday, Trump’s defence lawyers rested their case in the former president’s criminal trial in New York. They called just two witnesses before finishing.
The biggest question was whether Trump himself would testify as a witness. He had publicly said he would, but legal experts doubted he would. That’s because testifying would open him up to harsh questioning by prosecutors.
Ultimately, Trump exercised his 5th Amendment right not to be forced to testify against himself. The judge will instruct the jury that they cannot hold this decision against Trump.
Trump Claims “Great Case” Was Presented
After his team rested, Trump said they presented a “great case” in his defence. A group of Republican politicians and his son, Don Jr., joined Trump in the courtroom.
Outside court, Don Jr. was asked why his father didn’t take the stand. He responded that Trump “wouldn’t subject himself to it” since there was “no justification” for him to testify. Don Jr. slammed the case as a “scam” and “farce”, echoing his father’s views.
Closing Arguments Next, Then Jury Deliberates
Both the prosecution and defence now have the long Memorial Day weekend to prepare their closing arguments to the jury. Those arguments will take place next Tuesday after the holiday.
On Tuesday afternoon, the lawyers debated with the judge how the jury instructions should be worded. After closing arguments, the judge will instruct the 12 New Yorkers on the jury about the law. Then, it’s up to them to review the evidence and decide if Trump is guilty or not guilty of falsifying business records.
Trump Video With Reich Reference Condemned
In other Trump news, the White House criticized a video posted on Trump’s social media page after it emerged it included an image referring to a “unified Reich”. This loaded phrase is associated with the far-right and Nazis.
The video shows hypothetical headlines about Trump’s agenda if re-elected president. Under one headline, the words “unified Reich” briefly appear. Trump’s campaign claimed the video was created by a “random account” before being re-shared and deleted.
Conclusion
The high-profile Trump hush money trial is nearing its conclusion. Both sides will make their final pitches to the jury next week about whether Trump falsified business records illegally. While Trump chose not to testify himself, his team claims they presented a strong defence against the charges.
The spotlight now shifts to the 12 New Yorkers who will soon begin deliberating to decide the former president’s fate. Will they find Trump guilty or not guilty based on the evidence? Only they can choose after being instructed by the judge on the law. The nation awaits their verdict.
