Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks after a break during his non-disclosure agreement trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 21, 2024 in New York City. The defense has rested their case.
© Michael M. Santiago/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) – Both the prosecution and defense have rested their case in the non-disclosure agreement trial that alleges former President Trump falsified business records. Judge Juan Merchan told the jury to expect closing arguments this coming Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day. He also expressed a hope that the jury would begin deliberations on Wednesday.
Manhattan prosecutors allege Trump falsified business records to cover up a payment made to adult film participant Stormy Daniels in 2016 — allegedly to cover up a sexual encounter she says took place in 2006. Trump denies the affair happened and notes most legal experts have failed to identify what the actual alleged crime is. Entering into a non-disclosure agreement is not illegal, and both federal and state level prosecutors declined to bring a case in connection to campaign finance laws.
Trump is under a government gag order imposed by Judge Merchan. He’s held Trump in contempt of court 10 times and fined him thousands of dollars — even threatening the former president with jail time. Trump has called on Merchan to step down and recuse himself because his daughter Loren Merchan is a high-ranking Democratic strategist and fundraiser. On Thursday, Trump will hold a campaign rally in the South Bronx.
