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Trump's Hush Money Trial Nears Conclusion as Cohen Faces Intense Cross-Examination Under Judge Merchan

May 20, 2024, 09:36 AM

Former President Donald Trump's hush money trial in Manhattan is entering its final stages as prosecutors prepare to rest their case. The trial, which has seen Trump in court four days a week since mid-April, involves 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. The prosecution's key witness, Michael Cohen, faced intense cross-examination, with Trump's defense team aggressively challenging his credibility. Cohen's testimony has been described as both composed and methodical, but also as collapsing under pressure. Trump's defense lawyer received praise for his handling of Cohen's cross-examination. Judge Merchan has been overseeing the trial, which has also seen the support of House Speaker Mike Johnson and legal commentary from Alan Dershowitz. The trial's outcome could hinge on whether Trump decides to testify, a move that many experts advise against. Closing arguments are expected to begin soon, with the jury likely to start deliberations by the end of the week.