As Donald Trump’s defense lawyers rest their case in the historic criminal trial, the former president did not testify as promised. The jury deliberation is scheduled for next week in a trial that has not been televised due to New York law.
Experts are divided on whether the five weeks in court have damaged Trump politically, with the looming verdict posing a moment of peril for him as he eyes a return to the White House.
Despite the defense’s efforts to undermine testimony against Trump, the prosecution’s case hinges on whether Trump illegally covered up hush money paid to a porn star during the 2016 election campaign.
The trial has drawn a growing crowd of leading Republicans, including potential vice presidential picks, as Trump laments the impact on his 2024 election campaign.
As the trial continues, the charges ultimately rest on financial records and whether they were falsified with the intent to influence the 2016 presidential vote.
Overall, the trial has been a mix of political intrigue and courtroom drama, with the jury’s unanimous decision being the final verdict for Trump’s fate.
© 2024 AFP