Closing arguments have concluded in the historic criminal trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who stands accused of unlawfully covering up hush-money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The case, which centers on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment by Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, is now in the hands of a 12-member jury. The jurors will decide whether Trump becomes the first former U.S. president convicted of a crime.
During the closing arguments on Tuesday, Trump’s defense lawyer Todd Blanche presented a nearly three-hour summation, addressing issues ranging from tax filings to campaign tactics. Blanche argued that Trump’s actions were part of normal campaign activities and not a criminal conspiracy. He portrayed Cohen as a serial liar and emphasized that Daniels’ testimony was irrelevant to the charges. Blanche urged the jury to separate their personal feelings about Trump from the facts of the case.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass followed with an hours-long argument, detailing how Trump allegedly tried to manipulate and defraud voters by hiding damaging information during the 2016 presidential campaign. Steinglass recounted Trump’s alleged “catch-and-kill” schemes to suppress negative stories, including payments to model Karen McDougal and efforts to silence a Trump Tower doorman. He portrayed Cohen as a flawed but insightful witness into Trump’s operations, dismissing defense arguments that the payments were for legal services rather than hush money.
Steinglass argued that the hush-money payment was aimed at protecting Trump’s campaign rather than his family, pointing out that the payment was made during the election year. He criticized the defense for focusing on Cohen’s past misdeeds rather than Trump’s actions and highlighted a social media statement by Trump referencing a “reimbursement” to Cohen. Steinglass concluded his argument just before 8 PM local time, reinforcing that the case was about Trump’s alleged deception, not Cohen’s character.
Throughout the trial, public interest has been high, with prominent figures, including actor Robert De Niro and political allies of Trump, appearing outside the Manhattan Criminal Court. De Niro warned that a re-elected Trump would undermine American freedoms, while Trump’s supporters maintained his innocence and denounced the trial as a political attack.
The jury will now deliberate in private, guided by detailed instructions from Judge Juan Merchan, who will outline the specific legal questions and evidence considerations. All 12 jurors must reach a unanimous verdict. If they fail to agree, a mistrial will be declared. Once a verdict is reached, it will be announced in court, and Judge Merchan must affirm it before entering a final judgment. Either side can request the judge to overrule the jury’s decision.
If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison, although legal experts suggest he is more likely to receive a fine, probation, or community service. This trial is the only one of several legal challenges facing Trump that is set to conclude before the next presidential election, adding significant political implications to the legal proceedings.
The trial has highlighted deep divisions in public opinion about Trump and the broader political landscape, with both sides using the courtroom drama to rally support. As the jury deliberates, the nation watches closely, aware that the outcome could have profound implications for American politics and the rule of law.
