NewsPolitics

Actions

What's next for the Trump trial?

If Cohen is the last witness for the prosecution, that means the defense would be expected to begin to present their case early next week.
Former President Donald Trump attends his trial at Manhattan criminal court before his trial
Posted

Former President Donald Trump's hush money trial is on pause until Monday.

Court will not be in session on Friday to allow the former president to attend his son Barron's high school graduation.

The prosecution's star witness, Michael Cohen, faced cross-examination on Thursday. The defense indicated it could wrap up questioning Cohen on Monday.

If Cohen is the last witness for the prosecution, that means the defense would be expected to begin to present their case early next week.

Richard Serafini, an attorney and former federal prosecutor, doesn't think Trump's legal team will mount a lengthy defense and says it's possible the jury gets this case before Memorial Day Weekend. However, there is no court on Wednesday and Friday next week either.

Michael Cohen is surrounded by media as he leaves his apartment building in New York.

Trump on Trial

Trump Hush Money Trial: Court adjourns for the week following Cohen's testimony

Scripps News Staff

There is one variable — former President Trump. If he testifies that could extend this trial. Serafini doesn't think he will.

"If he testifies, he is going to be on the stand a long time, but look, I would bet almost any amount of money that he is not going to testify," said Serafini.

If the jury gets the case before Memorial Day weekend or shortly thereafter, there is no guarantee there will be a quick verdict. This is a technical case. Serafini says sometimes in white-collar cases like this, juries can deliberate for weeks.

"I would not be surprised if the jury takes some time, spends some time to deliberate," he said. "If it goes on for weeks, then clearly there is one or more folks holding out."

Regardless, the trial is potentially entering its final stages, setting up a historic verdict and producing a key moment in the 2024 path to the White House.