The trial of former president Donald Trump over hush money paid to an adult film star is almost over. Here are the key points:
- Trump is accused of falsifying business records related to payments to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election
- He says he is innocent and calls this a kangaroo court against him
- The jury could reach a verdict as soon as tomorrow after closing arguments today
- If convicted, the judge might send Trump to jail, though legal experts disagree on if that will happen
Will Trump go to jail over this case? We’ll have to wait and see what the jury decides.
Dramatic Testimony from Key Witnesses
Over the last month, the jury heard dramatic testimony from some key people:
- Michael Cohen was Trump’s former lawyer who arranged the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels
- Cohen said under oath that Trump directed him to make the payment to help his election chances
- Stormy Daniels herself also testified about her alleged affair with Trump years ago
Trump’s lawyers tried to poke holes in Cohen and Daniels’ stories. They say Cohen can’t be trusted since he previously lied under oath.
Could This Impact the 2024 Election?
Some experts think this case is too weak for a criminal conviction. They say it should not have gone to trial at all.
However, the judge has warned Trump that he could face jail time if convicted. The judge previously threatened Trump with jail for violating court rules.
So, could Trump realistically run for president from jail if he gets convicted? It’s never happened before, so no one knows for sure.
What is clear is that the outcome could impact Trump’s expected run for president in 2024. Even some fellow Republicans are now backing Trump again ahead of the verdict.
For example, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley recently said she would vote for Trump after previously opposing him.
Trump Speaks Out
Trump spoke to reporters outside the court, calling the trial a kangaroo court. He still claims complete innocence, saying:
“Every scholar is saying there’s no crime, no crime…this should be an easy ruling.”
Trump expressed frustration at spending so much time on trial in a very cold room. However, he says he must continue fighting because our country needs it.
In trademark style, Trump also lashed out at protesters and the media camping outside the courthouse.
What’s Next?
The jury could return a verdict as early as tomorrow after lawyers give closing arguments today. If convicted of felony charges, Trump would face up to 4 years in prison.
However, most legal experts think he would avoid jail time or that the case would ultimately be dismissed by higher courts. They view the charges as relatively minor.
Trump himself remains defiant, insisting he did nothing illegal. If convicted, his team is expected to immediately appeal.
So, while the trial winds down, the drama around the historic case is likely just beginning. Trump’s political future could hinge on the verdict.
The high-stakes legal battle has captivated America, and the outcome will soon be known. What do you think will happen?
