4:09 p.m. ET, April 19, 2024
Prosecutor: Witness credibility is at “core” of this trial
Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo said that as former Donald Trump chooses whether to testify during the trial, it’s clear that witness credibility is at the “core” of it — and that’s an argument for allowing additional evidence, not excluding it.
Judge Juan Merchan also presided over that trial, Colangelo says.
He says that prosecutors in that trial spoke “at length” about what Trump knew, countering the defense argument that a defendant in that case, Allen Weisselberg, had gone “rogue.”
Remember: In December 2022, two Trump Organization companies were found guilty on multiple charges of criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records connected to a 15-year scheme to defraud tax authorities by failing to report and pay taxes on compensation for top executives.
Trump and his family were not charged in this case, but the former president was mentioned repeatedly during the trial by prosecutors about his connection to the benefits doled out to certain executives, including company-funded apartments, car leases and personal expenses.
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
