The criminal hush money trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump is nearing its conclusion in New York, with closing arguments set to take place on Tuesday. This trial is expected to be the only case against Trump to reach a jury before the November election.
During closing arguments, prosecutors will present their summations first, aiming to convince the jury that Trump falsified business records to cover up an alleged sexual encounter with porn star Stormy Daniels, an accusation that Trump denies. Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump intentionally made false entries in business records with the intent to commit another crime and sought to conceal it.
Trump’s defense team faces a lower burden, only needing to sow doubt in jurors’ minds to secure an acquittal or deadlock the jury to trigger a mistrial. After closing arguments, the judge will instruct the jury on how to interpret the law and evidence during deliberations.
If the jury reaches a unanimous verdict, Trump could face sentencing, with potential penalties ranging from fines to probation. It is rare for first-time offenders of nonviolent crimes like falsification of business records to receive prison sentences in New York.
As the trial nears its conclusion, the outcome remains uncertain, with the potential for significant implications for Trump’s future. Stay tuned for updates as the trial progresses.