Deliberations in Donald Trump’s hush money trial have begun, with twelve jurors tasked with reaching a verdict. The jury, made up of seven men and five women, ended their first day without a decision but asked to rehear key witness testimonies about the alleged hush money scheme.
The jury was dismissed around 4 p.m. after about 4 1/2 hours of deliberation and will continue Thursday, reviewing the requested testimonies and the judge’s instructions. This was their first communication with the court since they began deliberating around 11:30 a.m.
Judge Juan M. Merchan reminded the jurors, “It is not my responsibility to judge the evidence here. It is yours,” emphasizing their duty to be fair and impartial.
The duration of deliberations is uncertain. A guilty verdict would have a significant impact on Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, while an acquittal would be a major win for him. A mistrial is also possible if the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision.
After jury instructions were read, Trump expressed a pessimistic outlook, reiterating claims of an unfair trial and remaining in the courthouse during deliberations. He posted complaints on his social media network, criticizing the trial process.
Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 hush money payment made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to porn actor Stormy Daniels. This payment was allegedly to prevent damaging stories during Trump’s 2016 campaign. Trump, who denies the affair and claims the payments were for legal services, did not testify in his defense.
For a conviction, the jury must unanimously agree that Trump created a fraudulent business record with the intent to commit or conceal another crime, specifically a violation of New York election law.
During the trial, jurors were engaged, taking notes and closely following testimonies from witnesses like Cohen and Daniels. Deliberations began after lengthy closing arguments, with the prosecutor stressing the burden of proving Trump’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The jury asked to rehear parts of the judge’s legal instructions and specific testimonies, including those of Cohen and former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker.
Pecker testified about a 2015 meeting at Trump Tower, where a plan to suppress damaging stories about Trump was discussed. Prosecutors argue this was the start of the “catch-and-kill” scheme central to the case.
Jurors also requested Pecker’s account of a phone call with Trump about a rumor involving former Playboy model Karen McDougal’s story of an affair. Pecker suggested buying and suppressing the story, believing it to be true and potentially embarrassing for Trump’s campaign.
Additionally, the jury wanted Pecker’s testimony on backing out of an agreement to sell the rights to McDougal’s story to Trump through Cohen, citing it as a bad idea.
The jury’s requests indicate their thorough approach in evaluating the evidence and testimonies presented during the trial. Deliberations will continue as they work towards a fair verdict in this historic case.