Former leader stands trial - Hush Money Trial: Jurors Grapple with Decision on Day Two of Pondering Verdict Against Trump
The twelve-person jury in the case of hush money payments against former US President Donald Trump is still having trouble arriving at a verdict after the first day of deliberations. On Thursday, the courtroom in New York will continue with the decision-making process, starting with the reading of significant witness statements at 3:30 p.m. EST.
During Wednesday's deliberations, the jury requested specific passages from the testimonies of two crucial witnesses, as multiple media outlets in the courtroom reported simultaneously.
The prosecution claims Trump made illicit hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and tried to record them for his benefit, potentially influencing the 2016 presidential election. Trump denies these allegations.
Although the revenue transaction itself was legal, the prosecution believes Trump manipulated documents to hide the real reason for reimbursing his ex-attorney, Michael Cohen. This, they argue, constitutes 34 cases of illegal election financing.
The jury seeks certain statements from witnesses Cohen and David Pecker, the former editor of tabloid "National Enquirer." Both these witnesses confirmed the prosecution's accusations against Trump.
Cohen and Pecker were allegedly employed to explore harmful rumors regarding Trump's alleged extramarital affairs and suppress reporting on these rumors to boost his presidential campaign in 2016. This prompted financial transfers for the rights to stories pertaining to Trump's extramarital affairs, including payment to porn star Daniels.
Judge Merchan is expected to read out the declarations of these witnesses, along with their recollections of a pivotal meeting that took place at Trump's skyscraper, in the courtroom on Thursday morning. Additionally, the judge may reiterate his guidelines to the jurors or select parts of them in response to the jury's request.
If Trump is found guilty, he could face a fine or a multi-year prison sentence, which may be suspended. The Republican could then file an appeal, and with a legitimate conviction, he could still run for president in November.
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On Thursday, the jury in Donald Trump's hush money trial in New York will focus on the testimony of Michael Cohen and David Pecker, who are key witnesses in the case. According to reports, the jury requested specific statements from Cohen and Pecker, who have confirmed the prosecution's allegations that Trump made hush money payments to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign.
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