Closing Arguments in Trump's Historic Criminal Trial Begin Today

Closing arguments are underway in New York in the historic trial of former President Donald Trump, marking the first time a former U.S. president faces criminal charges in court.

Trump’s lead attorney, Todd Blanche, started by arguing that the prosecution has not proven Trump’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt concerning falsified business records related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. The defense insists payments were for legal services, not to silence Daniels.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s team countered, claiming Trump was involved in a long-running conspiracy to influence the election illegally and conceal these payments. The jury of 12 will deliberate on 34 felony charges, which could lead to up to four years in prison if Trump is convicted.

The trial, which began with jury selection on April 15, featured testimony from Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels herself, with a total of 22 witnesses. Judge Juan Merchan will instruct the jury on the relevant laws and deliberation process, which is expected to start as early as Wednesday.