Jury Deliberations Begin
The jury in former President Donald Trump's criminal trial is set to begin deliberations on Wednesday, marking a historic moment as Trump could become the first ex-president convicted of a crime.
The charges against Trump stem from payments made to cover up allegations of an affair. His lawyers deny any wrongdoing. If convicted, Trump would not be barred from running for president again, but he could lose his voting rights in Florida.
Legal experts believe a prison sentence is unlikely, but not impossible. Even if sentenced, Trump could still legally serve as president, though the logistics remain unclear. However, as this case involves state charges, he would not be able to pardon himself.
The deliberations come after a series of controversial moves by Trump, including floating the idea of running for a third term during a speech at the NRA Convention. The hush-money case, central to the current trial, has also been under intense scrutiny, with prosecutors seeking a deep dive into Trump's alleged misconduct and manipulation.
The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Trump's future political aspirations and the broader political landscape.