Chloe Hawkswell for OAN
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 12:43 PM
After a full day of closing arguments, the judge in Donald Trump’s New York trial has issued instructions to the jury and ordered them to reach a verdict.
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The 12-person jury is now formally deliberating and is tasked with considering the evidence presented by the prosecution and defense in relation to the 34 charges against Trump.
Jurors will notify the court once they have reached a verdict, which will then be read out in court and jurors will verify that it reflects their vote.
Depending on their decision, the case could be dismissed, Judge Juan Merchan could declare a mistrial, or Trump could face sentencing.
If convicted, Trump faces up to 20 years in prison, including up to four years for each felony count, for a total of 136 years in prison, although New York state law places a 20-year maximum sentence for such crimes. A conviction requires a unanimous jury.
Speaking outside the courtroom on Wednesday, Trump said the charges against him were politically motivated.
“Not even Mother Teresa could overturn these charges. These charges are fraudulent. We have a country in turmoil over the border and a fake election, and trials like this one where judges are so conflicted they can’t breathe,” Trump said.
“This is shameful, it really is. Mother Teresa could not defuse these accusations. But we will see what happens. We will see what happens,” he added.
Trump also said he has been sitting in court for weeks instead of campaigning.
“I’ve had a big lead in the polls over the last few weeks, yet I haven’t campaigned substantially for the last five weeks. Something’s going on because I think the public knows this is a rigged deal,” Trump said.
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