Live updates: Jurors to decide Trump's fate in hush money case
NBCMay 19
Trump NY Criminal Case: Jury Deliberations Begin
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The Facts
Jury deliberations in former Pres. Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial began Wednesday. Trump faces 34 felony charges related to his alleged falsifying of business documents related to $130K in payments made to Stormy Daniels — payments prosecutors characterize as "hush money."
Judge Juan M. Merchan provided lengthy instructions that included guidance on factors the panel should consider when assessing witness testimony, such as motive and plausibility.
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
This case has been crooked from the jump, and Merchan's behavior serves as a prime example of how he's part of the witch hunt and has subverted US law. Merchan disregarded normal court protocols and surprised even the most anti-Trump liberals. He is trying to mix and match charges and do everything in his power to get Trump convicted.
Anti-Trump narrative
After weeks of convincing testimony, the case has been made against Trump and now it's up to the jurors to come through and do the right thing because this may be the only case — out of four criminal cases against Trump — that gets adjudicated before Election Day. If Trump's ever going to be held accountable, it has to happen now.