Trump Who Ultimately Did Not Take the Stand... "Final Argument on the 28th"

'Sex Scandal Silence Money' Trial Nears Conclusion
"Prosecutors Aimed to Undermine Trump's Credibility, Jury Verdict and Judge's Sentence Pending"

Former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial over the 'hush money' related to a sexual misconduct scandal has concluded without him taking the witness stand, the New York Times (NYT) reported on the 21st (local time). Only the jury deliberation and verdict, as well as the judge’s sentencing, remain.

According to the report, Trump’s defense attorneys requested two witnesses, including lawyer Robert Costello, and after questioning them starting the day before, they ended their defense on the day of the report. Prior to the trial, there had been speculation that Trump might testify as a defense witness, but this ultimately did not happen. Earlier this month, Trump appeared on a Wisconsin TV station and said, "I will probably testify."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

CNN explained that Trump’s decision not to use his only opportunity to testify was "probably due to concerns about the scope of the prosecution’s cross-examination," noting that "the prosecution had asked the judge to allow them to question Trump about other ongoing civil and defamation cases." Analysts interpret this as a strategic decision by the defense to counter the prosecution’s attempt to undermine Trump’s credibility and provoke misstatements.

With the closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense completed, the trial has entered its final phase. Presiding Judge Juan Merchan has instructed both sides to prepare their closing arguments by the 28th. Closing arguments involve the prosecution and defense lawyers taking turns to reiterate their claims based on the evidence presented during the trial. Since no new witnesses can be called during closing arguments, the possibility of Trump testifying has effectively disappeared.

After the closing arguments, the judge will instruct the jury on the applicable laws, and then the jury will begin deliberations to reach a verdict of guilty or not guilty. Judge Juan Merchan has expressed hope that deliberations will begin on the 29th. If the jury reaches a unanimous decision, the judge will issue a sentence based on that verdict.

This trial is the only one among the four criminal cases filed against former President Trump that will take place before the November presidential election. Trump is accused of paying $130,000 through his personal lawyer Michael Cohen to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels to prevent her from revealing their sexual encounter, and then falsifying company records to make it appear as a legal consulting fee. If convicted of falsifying company books, he could face up to four years in prison.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.