The court's panel is considering his culpability. - Trump critiques his appointed judge.
Because of a suspected fake document following a secret payment of $130,000 to an alleged previous lover, adult film actress Stormy Daniels (45) faced 34 legal charges. In just six weeks, with 22 witnesses, the case was discussed in a shocking New York trial. Trump is also accused of meddling with elections by hiding disgraceful sex tales.
Now, five women and seven men - including two lawyers, a former trustee, and a speech therapist - will decide Trump's fate.
At the initial stage of discussions - with the whole of America watching - the proceedings shifted to a rocky start. Within just a few hours, the so-called "buzzer," an alert that signals enquiries from the jury, sounded. They requested four segments from ex-tabloid tycoon David Pecker's (72) and Michael Cohen's (57), Trump's ex-lawyer, testimonies to be played again. Moments later, they desired to listen to Judge Juan Merchan's (61) previous directions once more.
Trump: "Corrupt judge"
The defendant spent his time in a tiny, dimly lit, bare room within the imposing 1941-built courthouse in Lower Manhattan during the intense proceedings. He had to prepare for a verdict!
Trump spent time making statements in front of TV cameras near the courtroom entrance: He deemed this "corrupt judge"-led trial would not allow even Mother Teresa to survive, trying to set the narrative in the event of a guilty verdict. Thursday morning, he declared, "There was no fraud, no conspiracy, it's that simple!"
Otherwise, the most recent presidential candidate has no control over the trial's proceedings, an ordeal for him, per my sources. Even the seventh week, the ex-leader of the free world sat quietly on the defendant's bench.
The jury also deliberates in a room described as unappealing: a long conference table, worn office chairs, two toilets. At the table is the buzzer installed.
The longer the jury fails to reach a verdict, the more hope Team Trump can hold out. One jury member can destroy the entire trial by thwarting a unanimous verdict, necessary in US trials.
As the tension increased outside the courtroom: The row of TV spots extended across three blocks. Some Trump allies released steam. Security forces placed a complex barrier system around the courthouse. No matter how the trial concludes: Protests were anticipated.
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