The judge overseeing the New York criminal trial of former President Donald Trump stated that closing arguments are expected to be delivered next week. Additionally, he ruled that a proposed defense expert cannot offer his opinion on election law during his testimony.
Judge Juan Merchan mentioned on May 20 that the trial is progressing slower than anticipated, with closing arguments likely to occur on May 28, following the Memorial Day holiday. This indicates that the jury may not reach a verdict until the seventh week of the trial.
Furthermore, Judge Merchan denied permission for potential expert witness Bradley Smith, a former member of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), to provide his views on the case or define terms related to federal election law. The judge cited regulations that prohibit expert witnesses from interpreting laws and stated that Mr. Smith is not permitted to analyze whether President Trump’s alleged actions violate election laws.
The trial will be adjourned on Wednesday, May 22, as is customary each week, as well as on Friday and May 27. The absence of court proceedings on May 17 was due to President Trump’s attendance at his son’s graduation in Florida.
Prosecutors have presented around 20 witnesses, including former Trump associate Michael Cohen, who testified that the former president instructed him to make payments to an adult film performer to secure her silence. President Trump has pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records, asserting that the charges are politically motivated to undermine his potential 2024 presidential campaign.
Mr. Cohen’s testimony was expected to conclude on May 20, after which President Trump’s defense team will have the opportunity to present their evidence and witnesses. The decision on whether President Trump will testify remains uncertain.
The New York trial is considered the least significant of the four criminal cases facing President Trump, but it is likely to be the only one to proceed to trial before the upcoming election. President Trump also faces election-related charges in Washington and Georgia, as well as allegations in Florida regarding mishandling classified documents post-presidency. He has pleaded not guilty in all three cases.
President Trump, prior to entering the Manhattan court, reiterated his belief that the trial is unjust and expressed frustration over the limitations imposed on his political activities during the proceedings. He criticized the trial process as unfair and restrictive.
(Reuters contributed to this report.) Please rephrase this sentence.
Source link
