In the hush money trial of former President Donald Trump, his legal team resumed their defense in Manhattan Criminal Court on May 21, 2024. Trump, who was present in the courtroom, suggested that the defense could wrap up within hours, stating to reporters, “It should end a little bit early today.”
Lawyer Robert Costello took the witness stand again, with the defense team potentially not calling any more witnesses. Trump remained silent when asked if he would testify. Judge Juan Merchan mentioned the defense was expected to conclude by Tuesday, with closing arguments slated for next week.
Trump’s attorneys have requested the case’s dismissal, citing reliance on testimony from Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer with a history of lying. Despite such motions being rarely granted, Merchan seemed inclined to let the jury evaluate Cohen’s credibility, supported by other evidence presented by prosecutors.
Cohen, the prosecution’s last witness, finished his testimony on Monday, paving the way for the defense to present their case. Costello, the second witness for the defense, claimed Cohen told him he had no incriminating evidence against Trump. Merchan had previously admonished Costello for his courtroom behavior.
The case revolves around a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign, aimed at silencing her claims of an affair with Trump. Though the payment itself isn’t illegal, Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover his reimbursement to Cohen, who initially made the payment.
Trump, 77, has pleaded not guilty, denying any wrongdoing or affair with Daniels. He argues the trial is a politically motivated attempt to hinder his bid for the 2024 presidential election against Democratic incumbent Joe Biden. Cohen testified about multiple discussions with Trump regarding the payment, highlighting Trump’s concern over the potential impact on female voters. The defense contends the payment was to shield Trump’s family from embarrassment. Cohen also confessed to embezzling money from Trump’s business out of anger over a cut bonus related to the Daniels payment.
