Defense lawyer claims Trump is innocent in hush money trial

During the closing arguments at the Manhattan Supreme Court trial, defense attorney Todd Blanche adamantly declared that former President Donald Trump is innocent of the felony charges related to a hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016.

Blanche emphasized that Trump did not commit any crimes and highlighted that the district attorney had not met the burden of proof to support the allegations against Trump. He vehemently stated, "President Trump is not guilty."

Arguments Against Prosecution

The defense lawyer contended that the records in question were not falsified, and there was no intentional deceit in labeling the reimbursements as legal expenses.

Blanche also criticized the credibility of Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, arguing that his testimony should not be enough to convict Trump. He asserted, The story Mr. Cohen told you on that witness stand is not true.

Even if jurors were to infer the existence of a conspiracy to influence the 2016 election, Blanche urged them to conclude that Trump was innocent. He affirmed, "Every campaign is a conspiracy to promote a candidate."

Following Blanche's arguments, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office urged the 12-member jury to convict Trump of the 34 felony counts related to the records.

As Trump entered the courtroom, he criticized the trial judge and expressed his dismay, labeling it a dark day in America and a very dangerous day for America.

If convicted, Trump faces a potential maximum sentence of four years in prison for each felony count.

Daniels' Allegations

It is important to note that Trump denies Stormy Daniels' claim that the alleged sexual encounter took place in 2006 while Melania Trump had recently given birth to their son, Barron.

The trial in question is just one of four criminal cases Trump is facing as he prepares for a potential rematch in the November election against President Joe Biden.

Trump expressed his frustration on social media, questioning the sequence of closing arguments and declaring that there is no crime or case against him.

He also emphasized that any potential case should have been brought seven years ago, rather than in the midst of his presidential campaign.