“Not even Mother Teresa could beat these charges,” Trump says as jury deliberates in hush money trial

As jurors began deliberating on whether to convict former U.S. President Donald Trump over charges related to $130,000 in hush money allegedly paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, Trump continued to voice his grievances about his criminal trial on Wednesday, May 29.

**Court Proceedings:**
The jury, consisting of 12 members, started their closed-door deliberations to assess the evidence and testimonies presented over the past five weeks. The duration of their deliberations remains uncertain.

Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the trial, instructed the jurors on their crucial duty to determine Trump’s guilt or innocence. He emphasized that they could not solely depend on the testimony of Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer turned adversary, who claimed direct involvement in the alleged cover-up of the payment to Daniels.

Judge Merchan advised the jurors to scrutinize Cohen’s testimony carefully. “Even if you find Michael Cohen’s testimony believable, you may not convict the defendant solely on that testimony unless it is corroborated by other evidence,” Merchan stated.

He also reminded the jurors that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution and that Trump’s decision not to testify should not influence their judgment. “You must set aside any personal opinions or biases you might have in favor of or against the defendant,” he added.

To reach a conviction, the jury must be unanimous. If even one juror dissents, the judge would be required to declare a mistrial.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 34-count indictment filed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, which accuses him of falsifying business records to conceal the hush money payments to Daniels. Trump has also denied having sexual relations with Daniels and has labeled the trial as politically driven.

**Trump’s Response:**
Following the judge’s instructions, Trump and his legal team were instructed to remain in the building. “We need you to be able to get here quickly if we receive a note from the jurors,” Judge Merchan said.

After leaving the courtroom, Trump expressed his frustration to reporters, claiming, “Mother Teresa could not beat these charges. The whole thing is rigged.” He further criticized the trial as a historic example of judicial weaponization and suggested it should not be permitted.

Trump also attacked his rival and current U.S. President Joe Biden, alleging conflicts of interest involving the judge.

If convicted, Trump faces up to four years in prison. However, it is unlikely he would serve time as a first-time offender convicted of such charges. This decision could also significantly affect the upcoming presidential election, where Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee.