Minutes ago the defense for Donald Trump rested and the former president will not be taking the stand in the New York versus Trump trial. The final witness for the defense was shot down. Every time he opened his mouth, there was either a challenge or a reaction from the prosecution, and then the judge shut him down. The drama unfolding in the trial has been intense, especially with Michael Cohen's testimony. Cohen, the prosecution's star witness, admitted to stealing $60,000 from the Trump organization while working for the former president.
The defense's final witness, Robert Costello, faced scrutiny from the prosecution, who presented emails suggesting he was part of a pro-Trump cabal trying to protect Trump from Cohen's revelations. Despite Costello's denial of pressuring Cohen, his emails seemed to support some of the prosecution's claims.
With the testimony now over, the trial moves to the charging conference this afternoon, where the judge will discuss what the lawyers will present during closing arguments next week. Former President Trump's decision not to take the stand indicates his team's confidence in the case's lack of proof by the prosecution.
Next Tuesday, the jury will hear closing arguments before deliberating on the case. The jurors, who are not sequestered, will return to their daily lives but are instructed to avoid media and discussions about the trial. The potential verdict could come late next week, following what has been a high-profile and contentious trial.
