Trump Slams NYC Trial, Convinced of Victory

Former President Trump insists his defense team has secured a victory, pleading with Judge Juan Merchan to dismiss the falsifying business records case.

Former President Donald Trump has expressed unwavering confidence in his defense team, claiming they have already "won the case by any standard" in the ongoing New York v. Trump trial. Trump implored presiding Judge Juan Merchan to terminate the case, emphasizing, "We have a phenomenal case."

Trump's remarks came outside the Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday morning. He emphasized his belief that any other judge would have dismissed the case and suggested that Merchan could redeem himself by "doing what everybody knows should be done."

The defense team rested the case shortly after Trump's statements, and Merchan adjourned the jury until after Memorial Day. Defense attorney Todd Blanche had motioned for an order of dismissal on Monday, arguing that there was no evidence of falsified business records or filings.

The case revolves around 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. The Manhattan District Attorney's office is tasked with demonstrating that Trump not only falsified business records related to payments to former pornography actress Stormy Daniels but also did so in furtherance of a conspiracy to influence the election.

The prosecution asserts that Trump fabricated business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to Daniels before the 2016 election, an attempt to silence her claims of an affair with Trump in 2006. Trump has entered a not guilty plea and vehemently denied the affair.

Blanche maintained that there were "absolutely no false business filings" and no substantiated connection to Trump. "How on Earth is keeping a false story from voters criminal?" Blanche questioned.

Merchan has reserved his decision on the motion to dismiss for a later time. Michael Cohen, the prosecution's star witness, provided bombshell testimony on Monday, admitting to stealing thousands of dollars from the Trump Organization.

Cohen's revelations included overstating payments to a tech company and pocketing the difference, a move he described as "self-help" due to perceived mistreatment. Cohen also raised the possibility of running for Congress, citing his high name recognition.

Robert Costello, a former legal representative of Cohen, testified Tuesday and presented a negative view of Cohen, describing him as a "serial liar." The courtroom atmosphere grew tense during Costello's testimony, with Merchan expressing disapproval of Costello's conduct and ordering the media and jury out of the room.

Trump has repeatedly criticized the New York court system and boasted of his confidence in winning the "Empire State." He has suggested that the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nominee should not be compelled to endure such prolonged legal proceedings.