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Closing arguments began on Tuesday in the New York state criminal trial against President Donald Trump. The trial, which began six weeks ago, moved into its final phase after Trump’s defense rested on Friday. After the completion of closing arguments, the jury is set to begin deliberations.
The charges brought by prosecutors center around the allegations that Trump falsely identified payments to lawyer Michael Cohen as legal expenses when the payments were actually reimbursements for money Cohen paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The prosecution alleges these payments were misidentified in order to corruptly influence the 2016 election.
Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges in April 2023 and has maintained his innocence throughout the trial. He has consistently characterized the prosecution as nothing more than a political attack. Trump’s family and allies have supported his assertion that the trial is about political persecution rather than justice.
During closing arguments, Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, continued to point out the lack of evidence for an actual crime being committed. Blanche also continued to undercut the prosecution’s star witness, Michael Cohen, referring to him as “the greatest liar of all time.” Blanche emphasized the prosecution’s failure to meet its burden of proof and its heavy reliance on Cohen despite his record of dishonesty.
Cohen’s lack of credibility has been a major theme for Trump’s defense, especially after Cohen admitted on the stand that he had stolen money from the Trump organization. The revelation came in addition to his previous admissions of lying to Congress and lying under oath.
Blanche highlighted Cohen’s past lies as he made his summation to the jury. He argued that the jury should not convict Trump on the basis of Cohen’s testimony, stating they “should want and expect more than the testimony of Michael Cohen.”
After both sides present closing arguments, jury deliberations in the trial are expected to begin on Wednesday.