Trump remarks on hush-money trial before closing arguments: "A disruptive day for America"
The historic trial against a previous US president is set to see final arguments from both the defense and prosecution on Tuesday. Jury deliberations are anticipated for Wednesday.
At the center of this trial, the alleged Republican presidential nominee is facing charges for altering business documents in an attempt to cover up a monetary payment to adult entertainer Stormy Daniels. Daniels has claimed she was offered the payment to stay silent about an alleged affair with Trump prior to the 2016 election, which Trump denies.
Former lawyer to Trump, Michael Cohen, has presented himself as a primary witness for the prosecution claiming that the payment for silence was given with the president's approval. The funds, totaling $130,000 (around €120,000 today), were then repaid by the Trump Organization and falsely documented as legal expenses.
Trump has been charged with forging business documentation in 34 instances. Prosecutors additionally believe this hush money to be an illegal interference in the 2016 presidential elections.
Should the 77-year-old former president be found guilty by the jury, sentencing will be decided at a future time. The potential sentence could include imprisonment, but experts predict a probation or penalty would be more likely. Trump interprets the trial as a political tactic devised to hinder his 2024 re-election campaign against President Joe Biden.
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Source: www.stern.de
