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A woman drove up to a Minnesota home in a Mazda on Sunday night with a bag of cash totaling $120,000, ready to hand it to one of the 12 jurors in a multimillion-dollar charitable fraud case in the Minneapolis federal courthouse. “This is for Juror 52,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson quoted the woman saying, according to a story in the Sahan Journal. The U.S. attorney’s office said in an interview with The New York Times that the accounts were accurate and that more details would be forthcoming. Prosecutors said the juror reported the apparent bribery attempt to the local police. Prosecutors have accused them — and dozens of others — of stealing $250 million by claiming to have served nonexistent meals to nonexistent children.

Persons: Joe Thompson, “, ”, Thompson Organizations: Mazda, ”, The New York Times, Prosecutors Locations: Minnesota, Minneapolis, Sahan, U.S

Where the two sides were even within shouting distance of each other was vanishingly small, if it existed at all. But a few voices in the Trump universe allowed that Mr. Trump may well have done something wrong, and a few in the anti-Trump sphere said they had finally been convinced to vote for his opponent, President Biden. Prosecutors had framed their case in the loftiest of terms, election interference — an all-out effort to thwart the exposure of a sex scandal that may well have changed the course of history. That was not how Mr. Trump’s supporters saw it. (False claims that the 2020 election was rigged, pushed by Mr. Trump and his allies, have been repeatedly debunked, and there is no basis for the suggestion that the Manhattan case or the verdict rendered unanimously by a jury of 12 was rigged.)

Persons: Donald J, Trump, Biden, Prosecutors, Trump’s, ”, Marty Lee Organizations: Trump, Republican, Mr Locations: Wisconsin , Arizona , Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Iowa, Scottsdale, Ariz

☆ Recapping the Trump hush money charges, trial, verdict and questions
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-01 | by ( Dan Berman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The indictment alleged that Trump was a part of an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election. While hush money payments are not illegal in themselves, each charge was tied to a specific allegedly false entry among the financial records of the Trump Organization. Trump has argued that the payments to Michael Cohen, his former fixer who paid Daniels, were correctly labeled as legal expenses. Trump railed against the gag order every day during the trial and again on May 31 when he spoke at Trump Tower the day after the verdict. And the Georgia election interference case is in legal limbo while Trump and several of his co-defendants try to disqualify the Atlanta-area prosecutor who brought the charges.

Persons: Donald Trump, Stormy Daniels, Trump, what’s, Attorney Alvin Bragg, Michael Cohen, Daniels, Cohen, David Pecker, Karen, Pecker, perjurer, Cohen couldn’t, Juan Merchan, Merchan, Trump’s, CNN’s Zachary B, Wolf, Devan Cole, CNN’s Kara Scannell, Lauren del Valle, Jeremy Herb, Zachary B Organizations: CNN, Trump, White, Manhattan, Attorney, Trump Organization, fixer, Prosecutors, National Enquirer, Trump Tower, Division, Department, New, US Locations: New York, Washington ,, Florida, Georgia, Atlanta

☆ Live updates: Trump found guilty in hush money trial
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Deva Lee | Leinz Vales | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Here’s what to know about the case following Trump’s conviction:When will Trump be sentenced? Judge Juan Merchan has set Trump’s sentencing for 10 a.m. Shortly after Trump was convicted, his attorney Todd Blanche asked Merchan for an acquittal of the charges notwithstanding the guilty verdict. However, if a Floridian’s conviction is out of state, Florida defers to that state’s laws for how felon can regain their voting rights. Read more on the aftermath of Trump's guilty verdict.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, –, Juan Merchan, Todd Blanche, Merchan, Richard L, Hasen, ” Hasen, Read, Trump's Organizations: Trump, University of California Locations: York, Los Angeles, U.S, Florida, Manhattan

☆ Analysis: Trump conviction heralds a somber and volatile moment in American history
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

“Today’s verdict does not change the fact that the American people face a simple reality,” said campaign communications director Michael Tyler. Convicted felon or not, Trump will be the Republican nominee for president,” Tyler said. Supporters hold placards and flags following the announcement of the verdict in Trump's criminal trial. Or, the guilty verdict could play into Biden’s campaign theme that his predecessor is too corrupt and extreme to serve as president again. In another age, a guilty verdict would have immediately ended Trump’s campaign.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, ” Trump, foreperson, Trump, “, Joe Biden’s, ”, Michael Tyler, Donald Trump, ” Tyler, he’s, he’ll, he’d, jubilation, He’s, Biden, Andrew Kelly, ignominy, Timothy Naftali, ” Naftali, Stormy Daniels, —, Attorney Alvin Bragg, Prosecutors, Michael Cohen, Todd Blanche, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Eric Trump, Justin Lane, Elise Stefanik, Joe Biden, ” Stefanik, Mike Johnson, South Carolina Sen, Lindsey Graham, ” Graham, Larry Hogan, who’s, ” Hogan, Chris LaCivita, hasn’t Organizations: CNN, Trump Tower, Republican, Republican National Convention, Reuters, Trump, Manhattan, Attorney, Manhattan Criminal, New York, GOP, ”, Louisiana Republican, Senate, “ Locations: United States, New York, York, America, South Carolina

☆ Fact check: Trump delivers flurry of false and misleading claims as trial nears conclusion
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Daniel Dale | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Washington CNN —Former President Donald Trump has uttered multiple false or misleading claims about his Manhattan criminal trial this week as the trial has neared a conclusion. An “advice of counsel” defense typically requires the defendant to waive attorney-client privilege. This Court can not endorse such a tactic.” Therefore, Merchan ruled, Trump could not invoke or even suggest a “presence of counsel” defense in the trial. Prosecutors provided three theories of what unlawful means Trump used. After Merchan refused last week to change his mind, Trump’s defense decided not to call Smith as a witness.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, ’, Juan Merchan, “, MERCHAN, ”, Merchan, ” Trump, ” Merchan, Defendant, you’ve, It’s, it’s, John Roberts, don’t, ” Lee Kovarsky, Jeremy Herb, doesn’t, didn’t, Brad Smith, Wouldn’t, Bradley Smith, Rather, Smith, Biden, Joe Biden, Attorney Alvin Bragg, Bragg, Matthew Colangelo, Colangelo Organizations: Washington CNN, Manhattan, Fox News, Prosecutors, Federal, University of Texas, Trump, Records, Attorney, Justice Department Locations: New York, York, ”, Manhattan, York’s

☆ Is Trump going to jail? Ex-president's odds of lockup over his felony convictions are slim to none, legal experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Natalie Musumeci | Laura Italiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewThe chances of Donald Trump spending any time behind bars after a jury found Trump guilty on all counts in his New York hush-money trial are slim to none, legal experts told Business Insider. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Defense attorneys told Business Insider that besides jail time, prosecutors could try to impose a large fine, community service, or probation on the former president. Aidala said if prosecutors "really want to embarrass" the former president "they may ask for community service." Any kind of community service would likely be "private," so Trump couldn't be "out there cleaning a park or picking up garbage," Aidala said.

Persons: —, Donald Trump, Trump, Stormy Daniels, Attorney Alvin Bragg, Arthur Aidala, Aidala, Mark Bederow, Jeremy Saland, Bragg Organizations: Service, Business, Manhattan, Attorney, Trump, New York State, Democrat Locations: New York, Brooklyn, New York County, Manhattan

☆ The tense tick, tick, tick of jury deliberations at Trump’s first criminal trial
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Trump’s vigilAs Merchan laid out his instructions for the first time on Wednesday, Trump watched from the defense lawyers’ table. Trump’s routine — aimed at voters as he seeks to delegitimize the case before the jury makes up its mind — is getting old. One new wrinkle Wednesday was his warning that the jury instructions could doom his defense. These charges are rigged.”The jury hears none of this, so it’s clear Trump is playing an outside political game. Two of the jurors are attorneys and could potentially give deliberations some structure, according to Jeff Swartz, a former Florida judge.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Trump, tugging, David Pecker, Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels, Cohen, ’, Daniels, Juan Merchan, what’s, doesn’t, it’s, Elie Honig, Merchan, Todd Blanche, —, CNN’s Kristen Holmes, Joe Biden, “, Theresa, Jeff Swartz, ” Swartz, ” Organizations: CNN, mull, Trump, Prosecutors, Manhattan, Attorney’s Office, New York City —, Boeing, GOP Locations: Manhattan, Ireland, New York, New York City, West Harlem, Florida

☆ What happens now that Trump has been convicted in his hush money criminal case
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Devan Cole | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Merchan could sentence Trump to probation or up to 4 years on each count in state prison, with a maximum of 20 years. The New York case is no different. Shortly after Trump was convicted, his attorney Todd Blanche asked Merchan for an acquittal of the charges notwithstanding the guilty verdict. Trump’s conviction means little for his three other criminal cases, which will continue to proceed as they were prior to him being found guilty in the New York case. Trump’s federal election subversion criminal case has been on hold while the US Supreme Court considers his claims of presidential immunity.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, –, Juan Merchan, Todd Blanche, Merchan, Richard L, Hasen, ” Hasen, Elie Honig, ” Will, CNN’s Tierney Sneed Organizations: CNN, Trump, University of California, Florida’s GOP, US Locations: York, Los Angeles, U.S, Florida, New York, Manhattan, Georgia, Atlanta

☆ An ex-California official quietly stole over $1.5 million of water in a heist that lasted decades, but mysteries remain
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A former California official pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal more than $1.5 million of water, but the decadeslong water heist case still has more questions than answers. The US attorney said Falaschi was responsible for stealing somewhere between $1.5 million and $3.5 million worth of water. Falaschi's plea agreement claims he's responsible for stealing only a fraction of the original $25 million prosecutors accused him of taking in the original indictment. The plea agreement also said Falaschi was one of several people involved in the misconduct and that he was unaware of the full extent of the misconduct. Of the water Falaschi took, the plea agreement said almost all of it was taken to "blend down and reuse drainage water, which helped protect farmland and improve water quality in the San Joaquin River."

Persons: Dennis Falaschi, Falaschi, should've, Robin Hood, he's Organizations: Service, US, Eastern, Eastern District of, Business, Prosecutors, Los Angeles Times, Times Locations: California, Fresno, Merced Counties, Eastern District, Eastern District of California, San Joaquin

☆ Live Updates: Jury to Review Testimony as Deliberations Resume in Trump Trial
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Jesse Mckinley | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +6 min

Mr. Bragg has accused Mr. Trump of concealing a federal campaign finance violation and a state election-law crime. The defense argued that Mr. Trump was a victim of extortion, led by Mr. Cohen. The defense’s main witness was a lawyer linked to Mr. Trump’s circle, Robert J. Costello, who in 2018 had acted as Mr. Cohen’s back channel to Mr. Trump’s legal team. The maximum sentenceThe charges against Mr. Trump are all Class E felonies, the lowest category of felonies in New York. But nothing in the law requires Justice Merchan to imprison Mr. Trump if he’s convicted by a jury.

Persons: Donald J, Trump, Stormy Daniels, Trump’s, Michael D, Cohen, Daniels, Alvin L, Bragg, Juan M, Karen McDougal, Playboy’s, ”, McDougal, Cohen’s, Hope Hicks, Mr, Robert J . Costello, Merchan, Justice Merchan Organizations: Prosecutors, The National Enquirer, Trump Tower, White, Trump, Defense, Mr Locations: New York City, Manhattan, Nevada, New York

☆ Jury Deliberations Are Starting in Trump’s Trial. Here’s How They Work.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Kate Christobek | More About Kate Christobek | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The jurors’ verdict on each count — guilty or not guilty — must be unanimous. Mr. Trump also must remain inside the courthouse while the jury is deliberating. If the jury finds that he is guilty of even one of the counts, the judge will sentence Mr. Trump at a later date. But if they find that he is not guilty of all of the charges, Mr. Trump will be acquitted. If the jurors cannot reach a verdict, they will inform the judge, who will urge them to continue their deliberations.

Persons: Trump, Stormy Daniels

☆ Harvey Weinstein retrial: New accusers have come forward, prosecutor says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Jean Casarez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

NEW YORK CNN —A Manhattan prosecutor said Wednesday a new indictment against Harvey Weinstein is possible as additional accusers have come forward with claims against the powerful Hollywood producer whose downfall became a symbol of the #MeToo movement. That trial similarly used “prior bad acts” witnesses and has also been appealed. In addition, three other women testified at trial as “prior bad acts” witnesses. They argued the “prior bad acts” witnesses should not have been allowed to testify and the court should not have given prosecutors the ability to question Weinstein about instances of verbal abuse and bullying on cross-examination. In sexual assault cases, their testimony can turn a difficult “he said, she said” case into a more convincing “he said, they said” case.

Persons: Harvey Weinstein, Nicole Blumberg, Justice Curtis Farber, “, ”, Weinstein, Blumberg, ” Blumberg, –, ” Weinstein, Arthur Aidala, Miriam “ Mimi ” Haley, Haley, ” Aidala, Farber, CNN Weinstein, Love, Jessica Mann, Mann, Prosecutors, – Dawn Dunning, Tarale Wulff, Lauren Young –, uncharged Organizations: YORK CNN, Hollywood, Manhattan Supreme, ” Prosecutors, New, ”, CNN, Weinstein’s Locations: Manhattan, “, Los Angeles, Hollywood, York, New York

☆ Live Updates: Jury to Consider Felony Charges Against Trump
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Ben Protess | Jonah E. Bromwich | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +6 min

☆ Live Updates: Closing Arguments to Begin in Trump Criminal Trial
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Jonah E. Bromwich | Ben Protess | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +15 min

The defense did not call Mr. Weisselberg either, nor did Mr. Trump take the stand in his own defense. And for weeks, Mr. Weisselberg’s absence has loomed large over Mr. Trump’s case, the first criminal trial of an American president. And when Mr. Trump was sworn in as president in 2017, he entrusted Mr. Weisselberg, along with Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, with running his company. Mr. Trump, Mr. Cohen told the jury, “approved” of the arrangement and knew that they would falsify records to cover it up. Over the course of their decades together, Mr. Cohen knew, Mr. Trump and Mr. Weisselberg had become more or less symbiotic.

Persons: Donald J, Allen Weisselberg, Trump, Michael D, Cohen, Allen H, Weisselberg, Trump’s moneyman, Trump’s, lucre —, Eduardo Munoz, Stormy Daniels, Weisselberg’s, beholden, ” Emil Bove, Juan M, Justice Merchan, “, Evan Vucci, Fred Trump, Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump, ” Mr, ” “, Mr, Jefferson Siegel, —, Arthur F, Engoron, Justice Engoron, ”, ‘ Frick, Frack, Cohen’s, Daniels, Susan Hoffinger, Todd Blanche, Dave Sanders, Blanche, Kate Christobek Organizations: Prosecutors, New York Times, Trump, Mr, Reuters, Manhattan, Trump Organization, “ Trump, New, The New York Times, The Trump Organization, Credit, Frick Locations: Washington, New York, Trump, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, York, tatters

☆ Bob Menendez: 4 questions that could determine his legal – and political – fate
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Gregory Krieg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Prosecutors from the Southern District of New York are fighting a legal battle on two fronts. The government’s ability to sketch a clear and convincing picture for the jury despite these growing constraints will likely determine Menendez’s legal fate. “(She) communicated with the bribe payers, she passed messages to Menendez, and she collected some of the bribes,” Pomerantz said. Rob Menendez – rotten to the core.”Menendez Jr. directly addressed that line of attack in a recent spot of his own. But for Menendez, the senator and father, the will of the 8th District’s primary voters could weigh heavily on his political future – and legacy.

Persons: New Jersey Sen, Bob Menendez, Sidney Stein, Stein, Menendez, Prosecutors, –, Menendez –, Will Menendez, Donald Trump, Nadine, Nadine Menendez, Avi Weitzman, “, Lara Pomerantz, ” Pomerantz, ”, Rob Menendez Jr, Ravi Bhalla, Bhalla, Rob Menendez, Rob Menendez –, ” Menendez Jr, That’s, ” Menendez, “ I’m Organizations: New, New York CNN, New Jersey Democrat, Southern, of, US, McDonnell, United, Manhattan Criminal, Congressional, Democratic, Hoboken, Garden State Democrats ’ Locations: New York, New Jersey, Manhattan, Hudson, of New York, United States, Lower Manhattan, North Jersey’s, “ Jersey

☆ Opinion: Here’s how I, as an attorney, would try to persuade the Trump jury in closing arguments
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-27 | by ( Opinion Joey Jackson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

If the jury agrees, Trump would become a convicted felon, and could face up to four years in prison. But Trump’s defense attorneys will have much to say Tuesday about the evidence presented by prosecutors in an attempt to avoid that outcome. As to ledgers and invoices keeping track of these checks, Trump is the owner of the organization, not the bookkeeper or finance person. Cohen claims Trump was with the bodyguard at the time, and that he handed Trump the phone. The evidence shows that in order for checks to be issued to Cohen, Trump would have had to give his approval.

Persons: Joey Jackson, Donald, Joey Jackson Jeremy Freeman, Trump, District Attorney Alvin L, Bragg, ledgers, Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels, he’d, Cohen, It’s, Daniels, reimbursing Cohen, Hope Hicks, Karen McDougal, McDougal, Keith Davidson, Davidson, I’ll, Cohen wasn’t, ” Organizations: CNN, Manhattan Supreme, District Attorney, Prosecutors, Trump, Department of Justice, Trump Organization, Playboy, White, FedEx, Twitter, Facebook Locations: United States

☆ Federal judge makes key rulings ahead of Hunter Biden’s trial on gun charges in June
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-24 | by ( Marshall Cohen | Tierney Sneed | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Wilmington, Delaware CNN —The judge in Hunter Biden’s gun case issued a series of pretrial rulings Friday, handing wins to both sides and setting the contours of the upcoming trial. Federal Judge Maryellen Noreika sided with prosecutors on a key question about what they need to prove about Biden’s drug use when he bought a gun in 2018. Prosecutors said in court that they only want to introduce a small slice of the laptop material at trial. Lawyers said the trial could last up to two weeks, including jury selection, with the potential to go longer. She also limited what references prosecutors could make at trial to his lavish spending habits at the time of the gun purchase, narrowing such evidence to spending connected to drug use.

Persons: Hunter, Maryellen Noreika, Biden, David Weiss ’, Prosecutors, Derek Hines, Weiss, ”, Abbe Lowell, “, ” Lowell, Noreika Organizations: Delaware CNN, Federal, Prosecutors, Lawyers, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives, Navy Locations: Wilmington, Delaware, California, Arkansas

☆ Jury in trial of tech CEO Fahim Saleh's killer hears grisly 911 call: 'His head is not there anymore!'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-24 | by ( Laura Italiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

the operator asks, to which the woman sobs, "No! the 911 operator asks Saleh's cousin in the recording played Friday. the operator asks. Prosecutors told jurors that these bags held Saleh's head and limbs. A crime scene photo showing tech CEO Fahim Saleh under attack by his killer just inside the victim's Manhattan condominium.

Persons: —, Gokada, Fahim Saleh, Saleh, Tyrese Haspil, Linda Ford, Sam Roberts, Alan Chin, Haspil, Chavaux, Roberts, he'd, sobs, gasps, Prosecutors, he's, Gigi Jordan Organizations: Service, Business, Manhattan, Prosecutors Locations: Bangladeshi, Nigeria, Manhattan, France

☆ TSA agents think the crew-member lane at airports is a huge security flaw that staff abuse for smuggling
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Lindsay Dodgson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewAirport security officers have concerns over the special crew-member lanes that enable flight attendants and airline pilots to bypass typical passenger screening procedures. However, former and current TSA agents told Business Insider the lanes were "terrible" and that cabin crews could be "a bigger flight risk than the passengers themselves." 'KCM should be eliminated'TSA agents told BI these stories of cabin-crew wrongdoing "completely breach the trust that we put in them." "Transportation Security Officers conduct security screening for prohibited items at airport checkpoints and checked baggage screening," a TSA spokesperson told BI. However, Harmon-Marshall said airlines should do a better job of educating their crews about the dangers of the program, particularly when a flight crew is walking around in their uniforms.

Persons: —, John F, Charlie Hernandez, Sarah Valerio Pujols, Emmanuel Torres, Jarol Fabio, Dennis Ring, Marsha Gay Reynolds, Ben Schlappig, Schlappig, Caleb Harmon, Marshall, Harmon, there's, they'll, they're, they'd Organizations: Service, Transportation Security Administration, Airlines for America, Air Line Pilots Association, International, Business, TSA, Kennedy International, Prosecutors, Delta Air Lines, NBC News, New York Post, Airlines, America, Transportation Locations: New York

☆ Civilian killed by Russian forces while evacuating border town, Ukrainian prosecutors say
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Svitlana Vlasova | Radina Gigova | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Another civilian was also killed during the shooting, which took place on May 15, the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office said, as intense battles between Ukrainian and Russian forces for control of the border town continue. (Photo by Libkos/Getty Images) Libkos/Getty ImagesThe Russian military had opened fire on the evacuees from a five-story building, the husband told prosecutors. “She stayed in the wheelchair,” the man told prosecutors. The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office is “taking measures for a comprehensive investigation” into the shooting of civilians in the border town, it said. Prosecutors say they are working with law enforcement agencies to identify Russian soldiers who have “committed atrocities” in the region.

Persons: Husband, “, ” Organizations: Russian, Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, Libkos, CNN, Russian Defense Ministry, Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s, Prosecutors Locations: Vovchansk, Kharkiv, Russia, ” VOVCHANSK, UKRAINE, Ukranian, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine, Ukrainian, Ukraine’s

☆ Opinion: Trump’s defense ends on one disastrous witness
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Opinion Norman Eisen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Part of the reason for those modest hopes was the fact that the defense case would not include testimony by the defendant. Later, the charging conference to agree on jury instructions showed how daunting the law is that Trump faces. All of that is bad news not just for Costello, whose clash with Merchan won Trump’s praise outside the courtroom Monday, but also for the defense. Because Costello was one of Trump’s only witnesses, there is also the risk that he — and the jury’s reaction to his poor attitude — will taint the defense case overall. There was little the defense could do about the law in the charging conference beyond their usual able argument.

Persons: Norman Eisen, “, Donald Trump, Juan Merchan, Robert Costello, Costello, Michael Cohen, Susan Hoffinger, ” Cohen, Rudy Giuliani, Cohen, —, Trump, Norm Eisen, Stormy Daniels, ”, parrying, Merchan, it’s, Matthew Colangelo, “ I’m Organizations: CNN, Trump, Trump —, FBI, Prosecutors, Twitter, Facebook Locations: Manhattan, , New York

CNN —The defense rested its case in Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial on Tuesday after roughly 90 minutes of testimony – and without the former president taking the stand. Here are takeaways from the final day of testimony in the Trump hush money trial:Trump doesn’t take the standOver the last several months, Trump repeatedly teased that he would take the stand in his own defense. “That was a lie,” Blanche alleged of Cohen’s testimony he spoke to Trump about moving forward with the hush money deal. Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger also tried to remind jurors that it was Trump – not Cohen – who was on trial in this case. In their first meeting, Costello said Cohen was “absolutely manic” and suicidal after the FBI raid on his properties.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Robert Costello, Michael Cohen, Trump, Cohen, ” Trump, Todd Blanche, Costello, Sandoval, –, Jean Carroll, Donald J, Stormy Daniels, Karen McDougal, Cohen –, Trump’s, Blanche, Keith Schiller, Schiller, Daniels, ” Blanche, Keith, ” Cohen, Prosecutors, Susan Hoffinger, Trump –, ” Hoffinger, “, Juan Merchan, ” Merchan, Merchan, ” Costello, Emil Bove, Bob, Donald Trump, ”, scold Costello, Hoffinger, Rudy Giuliani, Mercahn Organizations: CNN, FBI, Publicly, Trump, New, Mr, Giuliani Locations: Wisconsin, New York, Florida

AdvertisementThe first-ever criminal trial of a former American president is now nearing its end after several weeks of witness testimony. Related storiesIn some of those hallway appearances earlier in the trial, Trump has told reporters that he planned to testify. He told jurors that Cohen told him that Trump didn't know anything about the payments. "If you don't like my ruling, you don't give me side-eye, and you don't roll your eyes," Merchan told Costello before he cleared the room. Trump " wasn't thinking about Melania — this was all about the campaign," Cohen told jurors.

Persons: —, Donald Trump, Todd Blanche, Blanche, Juan Merchan, Trump, Robert Costello, Costello, Emil Bove, muttered, Michael Cohen, Cohen, Susan Hoffinger, Merchan, Stormy Daniels, Cohen —, Trump —, Daniels, didn't, Rudy Giuliani, audibly, Judge Juan Merchan, castigates, Elizabeth Williams, Daniel Sitko, Brad Smith, Smith's, Smith, reimbursing Cohen Organizations: Service, GOP, Business, New, Trump, Republican, Manhattan, Attorney's Office, Attorney's, Prosecutors, FBI, AP, Federal, Washington Examiner Locations: New York, American, Manhattan, Trump

☆ Stakes are high for prosecutors to rescue Cohen testimony as Trump trial enters endgame
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Defense lawyers say they expect to complete their bruising cross-examination of Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and enforcer, on Monday morning. In dramatic testimony, Cohen last week directly implicated Trump in the alleged scheme, saying the former president directed him to hand over $130,000 to Daniels and promised him reimbursement. With the end of Cohen’s testimony looming, there is uncertainty over the extent of Trump’s defense case. Blanche referred to the possibility of Trump’s testimony on Thursday, the last day the court was in session. After the defense case wraps up, the prosecution has a chance to put on its own rebuttal.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Michael Cohen —, Cohen, Trump’s, Trump, Stormy Daniels, Daniels, ” Cohen, Todd Blanche, Keith Schiller, Blanche, President Trump, Schiller, ’, Randy Zelin, Republican nominee’s, Joe Biden, Mike Johnson, — Bradley Smith, Judge Juan Merchan, Merchan, Smith, —, backtrack, “, ” Blanche, Arthur Engoron, president’s, Engoron Organizations: CNN, Prosecutors, Trump, Cornell Law School, Central ”, Republican, Louisiana Republican, Republicans, Commission Locations: New York, Lago, Manhattan, Louisiana, Lake Tahoe

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