Judge Juan Merchan will give instructions to the jury on Wednesday. Closing arguments included five key points:
The Defense:
- Took a shot at Michael Cohen’s credibility.
- Cautioned the jury to avoid considering the trial a referendum on Trump.
Overall, the trial featured a heavy dose of “Access Hollywood” tape flashbacks, which were vital because “the more severe the impact of the tape, the greater Trump’s political motivation to silence a new lurid allegation from Daniels” and likely his motivation to cover up the “silence” in the financial books.
The bottom line: This trial is about financial misconduct, not sex, but the press’ assistance in calling it a “hush money” trial has complicated the public understanding of the trial.