- Prosecutors and defense lawyers presented their closing arguments in the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump over hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. [The New York Times, BBC News, AP News, CBS News, Fox News, The Guardian]
- Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass argued that Trump orchestrated a scheme to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election by covering up affairs that could have damaged his campaign. He accused Trump of falsifying business records to conceal the payments. [The New York Times]
- Trump’s defense team, led by Joe Tacopina, argued that the payments were a personal matter, not a campaign expense, and that Trump was following the advice of lawyers. They claimed the prosecution’s case was an “imaginary crime” and an attempt to criminalize civil conduct. [Fox News, CBS News]
- The jury began deliberations after receiving instructions from Judge Juan Merchan. The verdict could have significant implications for Trump’s political future and potential legal troubles. [CBS News, Fox News, BBC News]
- Reactions from legal experts and political analysts highlighted the high stakes of the case and the potential impact on Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. [CNN, The Economist, Newsweek]
- The Washington Post reported that Trump’s comments about the FBI during the trial prompted a rebuke from Judge Aileen Cannon, who is overseeing the Mar-a-Lago documents case. [The Washington Post]
- Robert De Niro, representing the Biden-Harris campaign, held a press conference outside the courthouse, criticizing Trump and expressing support for the prosecution’s case. Trump later mocked De Niro on Truth Social, calling him a “wacko.” [AP News, NY Post]
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