NEW YORK — After more than three hours of deliberation in the case involving former President Donald Trump and hush money payments, the jury returned with four specific requests for the judge.
The panel, consisting of 12 New Yorkers—seven men and five women—deliberates on whether Trump is guilty of 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records connected to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. As the request was announced, Trump, his legal team, and prosecutors re-entered the courtroom.
Judge Juan Merchan revealed that the jury had sent a note outlining four requests, including the testimony of David Pecker regarding a 2016 phone call with Trump, during which Pecker was in an investor meeting. Pecker, who was previously the CEO of American Media Inc., was the publisher of the National Enquirer.
Additionally, the jury requested a read-back of Pecker’s testimony concerning the arrangement involving AMI’s acquisition of the life rights of former Playboy model Karen McDougal during the 2016 election period.
The jurors also sought a recitation of testimony from Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney and fixer, about a meeting at Trump Tower. Prosecutors alleged that Trump, Cohen, and Pecker discussed a scheme to suppress unfavorable stories about Trump during his presidential campaign.
Judge Merchan stated that the entire jury, along with six alternates, would be brought in to hear the testimony again.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
