Trump's Terms Has the prosecution proved its case against Trump?
May 18, 2024
NPR political reporter Ximena Bustillo and Boston University law professor Jed Shugerman discuss Michael Cohen's testimony, alleged schemes, and Trump's involvement in cover-ups. Topics include credibility issues, what prosecution needs to prove, and upcoming closings. Listen for insights on the trial's twists and turns.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Political Theater at Trump Trial
- Several high-profile Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, attended Trump's trial.
- They held press conferences outside the courtroom, highlighting the political dimension of the trial.
Prosecution's Core Argument
- The prosecution aims to prove Trump knew about the Stormy Daniels hush-money deal and authorized it.
- They argue Trump concealed the payments as legal retainers to influence the 2016 election.
Missing Element: Intent to Defraud
- Jed Shugerman argues the prosecution hasn't clearly established who Trump intended to defraud with the falsified documents.
- New York law requires a specific target for intent to defraud, which may not have been met in this case.