By Aaron Miller-
The jury in Donald Trump’s high-profile hush money trial has concluded its first day of deliberations, while the former president decried the proceedings as “unfair” during remarks made outside the court.
The panel of 12 New are scheduled to resume deliberations at 9:30 a.m. ET tomorrow.
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They began deliberating after more than four weeks of testimony and legal arguments at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York. The trial featured testimony from 22 witnesses and extensive closing arguments from both the prosecution and defense.
The jurors sent two notes- one requesting to re-hear the judge’s jury instructions and the other asking to be read back some testimony from witnesses Michael Cohen and David Pecker.
The sitting judge reminded jurors they must put aside their biases as they decide the defendant’s fate. “Remember, you have promised to be a fair juror,” the judge said.
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Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors allege that the payment was part of a broader scheme to suppress stories that could have damaged Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
They argue that the reimbursements to Daniels, made through Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen, were falsely recorded as “legal expenses” to conceal their true purpose.
Despite these allegations, Trump has consistently denied both the affair with Daniels and all charges brought against him.
On the first day of deliberations, the jury sent two notes to the judge. They requested to rehear jury instructions, and specific testimonies from David Pecker, the publisher of the National Enquirer, and Michael Cohen.
These testimonies are critical, as they pertain to a 2015 meeting at Trump Tower, during which Pecker allegedly agreed to help Trump identify and suppress negative stories.
Trump was visibly glum as he sat in the courtroom on Wednesday, while outside the court, he reiterated his stance that the trial is an unjust attack against him.
Stormy Daniels, who played a central role in the trial, also testified. Daniels, pictured here in a 2018 file photo, was among the key witnesses whose testimonies were crucial to the prosecution’s case.
The trial has not only captivated public attention but also underscored the legal challenges Trump faces as he contends with multiple investigations and lawsuits.
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