The Manhattan criminal trial of Donald Trump in New York is nearing its conclusion as a 12-person jury prepares to make a decision on charges related to hush money payments to porn stars. This verdict could have significant implications for the upcoming presidential election, with some voters indicating they may not support Trump if he is found guilty.
The jury, consisting of 12 official jurors and 6 reserves, was formed during the trial and is tasked with determining whether Trump is guilty of covering up payments to Stormy Daniels to silence her about an affair scandal before the 2016 election. Throughout the trial, prosecutors and Trump’s legal team called upon various witnesses to testify, including Stormy Daniels, Michael Cohen (Trump’s former lawyer), and David Pecker (former CEO of AMI).
If the jury unanimously finds Trump guilty, the presiding judge will decide the sentencing. This outcome could have significant political consequences, with some voters indicating they may not support Trump if he is convicted. On the other hand, an acquittal would be a major victory for Trump and could impact his future legal battles and political aspirations.
In the event of a deadlock within the jury, the judge may issue an “Allen Directive” encouraging members to reconsider their views. If no consensus is reached, the trial may be suspended and potentially restarted, which could be viewed as a victory for Trump. Regardless of the outcome, Trump’s future actions are likely to be influenced by the trial’s verdict.
