Defense claims Donald Trump is innocent as hush money trial approaches conclusion | Global News

Former President Donald Trump’s lawyer made a bold statement on Tuesday, declaring Trump’s innocence in his criminal hush-money trial. The defense team began its closing argument, with Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche asserting that prosecutors had failed to prove Trump guilty of falsifying documents.

Blanche emphasized that the burden of proof had not been met by the district attorney, stating, “President Trump is innocent. He did not commit any crimes.” As the trial resumed after a week-long break, Blanche made his final plea to the 12 jurors who hold Trump’s fate in their hands.

The defense’s closing argument aimed to convince the jurors that Trump did not engage in a cover-up of hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. On the other side, prosecutors will summarize the evidence they presented, alleging that Trump falsified business documents to conceal the payment to Daniels.

Justice Juan Merchan urged the jurors to carefully consider the facts presented in the case and emphasized the high standard of proof required by U.S. law for a conviction. If found guilty, Trump could face up to four years in prison, although imprisonment is unlikely for a first-time felon convicted of such a crime.

Despite the legal challenges he faces, Trump remains undeterred in his political ambitions. A conviction would not prevent him from running for office again, including a potential bid for the White House in the upcoming election. As the trial nears its conclusion, the outcome remains uncertain, with both sides presenting compelling arguments in a case that has captured the nation’s attention.