Former President Trump lashed out at the New York court system and prosecutors on Monday, calling their case against him a "witch hunt" and a "show trial." Trump's defense team has motioned to dismiss the case, alleging lack of evidence, while the prosecution maintains sufficient grounds to proceed.
Former President Donald Trump has vehemently denounced the New York court system and prosecutors, labeling their case against him a "witch hunt" and a "show trial." The prosecution, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, has charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, alleging he concealed a $130,000 payment to pornographic performer Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 election.
Trump has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. As the trial nears its conclusion, tensions have escalated, with Trump's defense team motioning to dismiss the case due to alleged lack of evidence.
On Monday, defense attorney Todd Blanche asserted that there is no evidence of false business filings or intent to mislead. He argued that Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer who testified against him, has previously lied under oath and should not be considered credible.
Blanche requested that Judge Juan Merchan dismiss the case immediately, but Merchan indicated he would reserve a ruling until after the jury has deliberated. The prosecution, however, argued that anyone who "causes" falsified records can be punished, regardless of whether they directly alter them.
Before the afternoon development, Trump's defense continued to cross-examine Cohen, who admitted stealing $30,000 from the Trump Organization. Cohen stated that he used the money to cover a bonus reduction and failed to make a payment to a tech company as intended.
Cohen also testified that he had numerous conversations with Trump about Daniels in 2016 and that Trump had approved the hush money payment. He further stated that he was reimbursed $420,000 for the payment, with Weisselberg suggesting he "gross up" the payments.
The prosecution presented Cohen with 11 checks totaling $420,000 that had descriptions of "retainer," which Cohen deemed false. The prosecution rested its case on Monday, while the defense called two witnesses: paralegal Daniel Sitko and Robert Costello, a former legal adviser to Cohen.
Sitko testified about 75 phone calls between Cohen and Costello in which Cohen allegedly claimed Trump was unaware of the Daniels payment. Costello corroborated this, stating that Cohen told him multiple times that Trump had no knowledge of the payments.
Despite Costello's testimony, tensions arose between him and Judge Merchan. Costello audibly and visibly expressed disapproval of Merchan's objections, prompting the judge to instruct him not to respond or react in any way.
The defense has indicated that they will not call any other witnesses, meaning Trump will not testify in his own defense. Closing arguments are currently scheduled for next Tuesday, leaving the outcome of the trial uncertain.
