Defense attorneys do not have Trump testify in court.
Today in the courtroom, Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger continued her cross-examination of Robert Costello, a lawyer who had provided advice to Michael Cohen, President Trump’s former lawyer. Judge Juan Merchan previously reprimanded Costello for his disrespectful behavior on the witness stand, setting the stage for Tuesday’s developments.
The prosecution aimed to challenge Costello’s earlier testimony that he was solely acting in Cohen’s best interest, not Trump’s, following the revelation of the Stormy Daniels hush money deal in 2018. Cohen had expressed suspicions that Costello, closely associated with Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani, contacted him to prevent him from turning on Trump and cooperating with prosecutors. Notably, Cohen stated that he never had a retainer agreement with Costello or paid him for legal services.
During the proceedings, the prosecution presented a series of emails from Costello to Cohen, allegedly demonstrating how Costello was manipulating Cohen at the behest of Giuliani and Trump. The defense subsequently rested its case after calling two witnesses, with Trump opting not to testify despite previous indications of his willingness to do so.
Following the testimonies, Judge Merchan engaged in a meeting with attorneys from both sides to deliberate on the content of the jury instructions, crucial for the jury’s decision-making process. Prosecutors have leveled 34 felony charges against Trump for falsifying business records to conceal alleged reimbursement payments to Cohen, purportedly to safeguard his 2016 presidential campaign from negative disclosures. Trump has denied the charges and any involvement in an affair with Stormy Daniels.
Examining Costello’s emails, one particularly striking correspondence depicts Costello warning Cohen about media narratives and urging him to maintain loyalty to his former boss. Another email exchange suggested that Costello’s actions were guided not by Cohen’s interests but by an agenda aligned with Trump and Giuliani.
On the procedural front, a “charge conference” was convened by Judge Merchan to finalize the instructions to be provided to the jury before deliberations commence next week. This closed-door meeting allowed lawyers from both camps to negotiate over the specific language to be included in the jury instructions, a meticulous process pivotal for the verdict.
Amidst the legal intricacies, the courtroom witnessed a notable presence of Trump’s allies, including his son Don Jr., marking his first appearance at the trial. Notable figures such as former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker, and several senators and representatives were also observed in attendance, underscoring the significance of the trial.
Looking ahead, with the defense and prosecution resting their cases, the jury is set to reconvene next week for closing arguments, potentially culminating in a verdict by the end of the week. The forthcoming phase of the trial promises heightened intensity as the judicial process nears its conclusion.
As the legal drama unfolds, the courtroom saga continues to captivate onlookers, as key players maneuver within the confines of the law to present their case and influence the final decision.
