Trump case goes to jury after closing arguments
The defense and prosecution gave their closing arguments in Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial on Tuesday
What happened
Manhattan prosecutors and Donald Trump's defense lawyers delivered 10 hours of closing arguments Tuesday. Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up an alleged affair with porn actress Stormy Daniels and illicitly influence the 2016 presidential election.
Who said what
Trump lawyer Todd Blanche "had a clear message for jurors: The prosecution's case rests on the testimony of Trump fixer-turned-foe Michael Cohen, and he can't be believed," The Associated Press said. He called Cohen "literally the greatest liar of all time," and showed jurors a PowerPoint labeled "Case Turns on Cohen." Blanche also argued prosecutors had Daniels testify about her sexual encounter with Trump to "embarrass" him.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said the "messy" and "uncomfortable" Daniels testimony showed why, after a recording of Trump boasting of sexual assault emerged right before the election, he agreed to secretly pay her the $130,000 in hush money allegedly disguised as legal fees. "Stormy Daniels is the motive," he said. "This case is about Donald Trump," not Cohen, who is merely a useful "tour guide" through the mountains of hard evidence, Steinglass added. You don't have to like him, but "like all fixers, Cohen knew where the bodies were buried."
What next?
Judge Juan Merchan will give the 12 jurors their instructions Wednesday, then they "could take anywhere from a few hours to weeks to reach a verdict," The New York Times said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
5 highly educational cartoons about Louisiana classrooms
Cartoons Artists take on free lunch, the sixth commandment, and more
By The Week US Published
-
The SNP: a lacklustre manifesto?
Talking Point Voters 'getting weary' of familiar fare from Scottish National Party
By The Week UK Published
-
Labour vs. Tories: which party will raise taxes the most?
The Explainer What do the two main parties' manifestos say about their tax plans? And do their sums add up?
By The Week UK Published
-
Biden flopped, but did Trump really 'win' the debate?
Talking Points The president struggled to articulate a clear vision for the country, but Trump's cavalcade of aggressive falsehoods might not do the Republican candidate any favors in the long run
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'There is serious business to attend to'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Biden and Trump trade barbs in testy debate
Speed Read The first debate ahead of November's election started off rough for the president
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is it time for Joe Biden to bow out?
Talking Point President's dismal performance has heightened Democrats' concerns over his odds against Trump
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
'Forged in the fire of the food world's worst excesses'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The presidential debate is as much a trial of CNN as it is the candidates
In The Spotlight Thursday night's spotlight may be on Joe Biden and Donald Trump, but the host network's reputation — and its future — are also on the line
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Biden pardons US troops convicted in gay sex ban
Speed Read Veterans charged under a former military law banning same-sex relations are pardoned
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Bolivia general arrested after coup attempt
Speed Read Gen. Juan José Zúñiga led what appeared to be a bid to unseat President Luis Arce
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published