The jury in former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial resumed deliberations Thursday, revisiting portions of the judge’s instructions and rehearing testimony from multiple key witnesses. The judge reread 30 pages of jury instructions in response to the jury’s request. The 12-person jury, which had deliberated for about 4 1/2 hours on Wednesday without reaching a verdict, also reheard testimony from a tabloid publisher and Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer.
It remains unclear how long the deliberations will continue. A guilty verdict would deliver a significant legal blow to the presumptive Republican presidential nominee as he seeks to reclaim the White House, while an acquittal would represent a major victory and likely bolster his campaign.
With the requirement for a unanimous verdict, there is also the possibility of a mistrial if the jury cannot reach consensus. Trump campaign senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles dismissed the proceedings as a “kangaroo court,” arguing the case would not influence voters in November.
