Tomorrow morning, the criminal trial of former President Trump is set to resume in Manhattan. His former attorney and self-described fixer, Michael Cohen, will be back on the stand for further cross-examination by the defense team. The prosecution has hinted that Cohen might be their final witness. The looming question remains: will the defense team call anyone else to testify, possibly even President Trump himself?
President Trump has previously expressed interest in defending himself in court under oath. However, such a move could open him up to inquiries on various legal matters beyond the current case. The judge has instructed the legal teams to be prepared for closing arguments as early as Tuesday, suggesting that a verdict or conclusion could be reached this week.
While Trump's attorney, Will Scharf, is not directly involved in the New York case, the speculation around whether the former president will take the stand persists. The potential implications of Trump testifying, including addressing the Stormy Daniels testimony and other legal rulings against him, are significant considerations.
Scharf emphasizes that in a criminal case, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to establish each element of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. He asserts that based on the trial record, the prosecution has failed to substantiate their case adequately. Scharf suggests that a fair jury would likely lean towards acquittal based on the lack of compelling evidence presented.
Regarding potential witnesses, Robert Costello, who provided legal advice to Michael Cohen, emerges as a figure of interest. Costello's willingness to testify and his claims about undisclosed documents raise questions about his potential impact on the case. However, Scharf believes that Cohen's credibility has already been severely undermined during cross-examination.
As the trial progresses, the focus remains on the unfolding testimonies and the strategic decisions of the legal teams. With the trial's outcome potentially nearing, the courtroom drama continues to captivate observers awaiting the next developments.
