On May 28, 2024, in Manhattan Criminal Court, Donald Trump faced the concluding stages of his hush money trial. The former president, indicted with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, was flanked by his family members, including Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump, and Lara Trump.

The case revolves around a $130,000 payment, made by Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to suppress allegations of an affair. Trump denies the affair and pleaded not guilty, asserting that the payment was a legal expense reimbursement.

Throughout the five-week trial, the jury heard from 22 witnesses, including Daniels, Cohen, and former Trump aides. Defense attorney Todd Blanche contended that Trump did not conspire to influence the 2016 election or knowingly falsify records, arguing that Trump was preoccupied with his presidential duties and not involved with the financial minutiae.

Prosecutors, led by Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass, aimed to prove that Trump’s actions were intended to conceal the payment to hinder the election outcome.

As closing arguments proceeded, defense focused on discrediting Cohen, painting him as a liar. Prosecutors, meanwhile, emphasized the former president’s meticulous control over finances, contradicting his claimed ignorance.

The jury, consisting of Manhattan residents, will soon deliberate on whether to convict Trump. If convicted, Trump faces potential penalties but jail time is considered unlikely due to the non-violent nature of the offenses and his lack of prior criminal record.

The trial proceeds amidst Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, significantly influencing the public and political landscape.