The conclusive stage of the momentous Trump trial approaches.
The conclusion of the Trump trial is near. Over 20 witnesses have had their say, and questioning is officially finished. Closing arguments will take place on the following Tuesday. The verdict is also expected to influence the ongoing election campaign.
In the momentous trial against ex-US President Donald Trump in New York, the witness interrogation has wrapped up. On this particular Tuesday, lawyers for the defense examined their final defense witness, as everyone present in the court agreed. Trump himself will not be called as a witness. His lawyers opted not to put him on the stand after questioning the witnesses.
A total of over 20 witnesses have testified, and they were questioned for many hours. The closing arguments are set for the coming Tuesday, and the jurors will meet to reach a unanimous verdict. There's no particular time frame for this, but jurors usually deliberate for a few hours to several days. If found guilty, Judge Merchan would dictate the sentence. Trump could face several years in prison, which could potentially be suspended, or a fine.
The prosecution alleges Trump sought to better his chances in the 2016 presidential election by paying $130,000 to porn actress Daniels. Both parties acknowledge the payment itself, which was not unlawful. However, they believe Trump tampered with documents while reimbursing the money to his lawyer at the time, Michael Cohen, to hide the real purpose of the payment. This would make the expenditures illegal campaign financing.
The decision will also leave its mark on the current election campaign; the only question is how and to which side's benefit. Trump aims to transform the allegations into a personal advantage by painting himself as a victim of a politically biased legal system. So far, it appears that Joe Biden isn't gaining any significant support from the trial against his opponent.
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In the midst of the intense Trump trial in New York, the defense refrained from calling Stormy Daniels or Donald Trump as witnesses. The upcoming closing arguments will delve into the alleged illegal campaign financing related to the $130,000 payment made to Daniels during the 2016 processes.
Source: www.ntv.de
