As the trial concerning former US President Donald Trump’s alleged hush money payments approaches its end, both legal teams have begun their closing arguments.Trump, now 77, was indicted last March for allegedly paying hush money to Stormy Daniels in 2016, ahead of the presidential elections.
In his closing remarks, Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche asserted the former president’s innocence, challenging the credibility of Michael Cohen’s testimony.”We appreciate your close attention to the evidence throughout this trial,” Blanche said to the jury.
“I began by stating something on April 22 that remains true today: President Trump is innocent. He did not commit any crimes, and the district attorney has failed to meet their burden of proof — period. All the evidence has been presented,” Blanche declared.
“The evidence should leave you wanting more. You should demand more than just Michael Cohen’s testimony,” Blanche emphasized.Blanche argued that the case revolves around documents, not Stormy Daniels. He stated, “This is a paper case. It’s not about an encounter with Stormy Daniels 18 years ago.”
“An encounter that President Trump has unequivocally and repeatedly denied ever happened,” he added.
“You cannot convict President Trump of any crime beyond a reasonable doubt based solely on Michael Cohen’s words. They are lies. Pure and simple,” Blanche concluded.
