Trump lawyer tells hush money trial jury he's innocent, 'cannot convict' based on Michael Cohen testimony - 2024-05-28

NEW YORK — Donald Trump's defense lawyer asked a Manhattan jury not to convict his client based on the words of Michael Cohen as closing arguments commenced Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial.

"You should want and expect more than the testimony of Michael Cohen," Todd Blanche said as he began his summation, rattling off other witnesses who took the stand against his client, including adult film star Stormy Daniels and her former attorney Keith Davidson , who he then accused of extortion.

"You cannot convict President Trump — you cannot convict President Trump of any crime … on the words of Michael Cohen," Blanche said.

"President Trump is innocent. He did not commit any crimes, and the DA has not met their burden of proof. Period."

After a weeklong hiatus, both sides will spend the day in Manhattan Supreme Court court making their final pleas to the panel of New Yorkers, who will soon return to the jury room to decide the outcome of the historic case.

By New York law, Trump's side is presenting their summation first, which the GOP frontrunner blasted as a conspiracy in a string of Memorial Day Truth Social posts.

After jurors hear final arguments from both sides, Justice Juan Merchan will instruct them on the law and how to deliberate the case.

Trump walked into court at 9:25 a.m. — for the first time, joined by both of his older sons, Eric and Don Jr., his youngest daughter, Tiffany Trump , an army of lawyers, and various allies and campaign staffers. District Attorney Alvin Bragg was also present in the courtroom.

"We have a judge who's conflicted," Trump said outside the courtroom, possibly inching close to a potential violation of his gag order. "You know what the conflict is, so do I, but I can't say it because I'm under a gag order which is another unconstitutional thing."