Donald Trump Criminal Trial: Prosecution and Defense Present Closing Arguments

The criminal trial of former President Donald Trump in New York City entered its final phase as both the prosecution and defense delivered lengthy closing arguments. Trump, facing 34 counts of falsifying business records in relation to a hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election, listened as his lawyer Todd Blanche insisted on his innocence.

Blanche vehemently attacked the credibility of key witness Michael Cohen, labeling him the ‘GLOAT’ (Greatest Liar of All Time), while underscoring that Trump had not committed any crimes and that the burden of proof had not been met by the prosecution’s case led by Joshua Steinglass.

Steinglass, during his powerful closing arguments, emphasized that the evidence presented illustrated a ‘scheme’ involving Trump, Cohen, and David Pecker to conceal damaging information, possibly affecting Trump’s 2016 election victory. He urged the jurors to focus on the facts and not allow special treatment for the defendant.

The courtroom drama unfolded over hours as both sides made their case, with Blanche stressing that the payments were legitimate for legal services and not part of a cover-up, while Steinglass highlighted the orchestration to hide the true nature of the transactions and preserve Trump’s image during the election season.

The trial, which saw testimony from Cohen, Daniels, and Pecker among others, has been a historic moment, being the first criminal trial of a former US president. The stakes are high, with Trump’s possible conviction holding potential implications for his political future and the ongoing presidential race against incumbent Joe Biden.