Donald Trump mocked as he fumes over not getting final word at hush money trial

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump voiced his frustration at the absence of his legal team delivering the final closing arguments in his hush-money trial.

He turned to Truth Social to express his complaint, implying that the prosecution's delivery of closing statements after his defense could give an unfair advantage.

Legal experts mock Trump's misunderstanding of the prosecution's final word

Legal experts criticized Trump's post, pointing out the standard practice where prosecutors have the last word due to their burden of proof.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "WHY IS THE CORRUPT GOVERNMENT ALLOWED TO MAKE THE FINAL ARGUMENT IN THE CASE AGAINST ME? WHY CAN'T THE DEFENSE GO LAST? BIG ADVANTAGE, VERY UNFAIR. WITCH HUNT." 

According to Newsweek, The trial revolves around allegations that Trump orchestrated hush payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels through his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to conceal an alleged affair during the 2016 election.

Trump faces multiple felony charges related to falsifying business records in connection to these payments, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

The sum was documented in Trump's company records as Cohen's "legal fees," a detail prosecutors argue was part of an unlawful effort to influence the outcome of the 2016 presidential race.

Legal experts critique Trump's legal understanding

Critics, such as criminal defense attorney Tom Briody and former federal prosecutor Randall Eliason, condemned Trump's assertion. Briody characterized it as evidence of the former president's ignorance, while Eliason elucidated the legal principle behind prosecutors having the final say.

Tom Briody tweeted, "This is conclusive evidence of how stupid TFG is. Prosecutors always have the last word at final argument. Why? Because they have the burden of proof. Trump’s lawyers surely told him that. But he wants the world to know how ignorant he is."

Randall Eliason remarked, "It's funny how many white-collar defendants develop a sudden interest in criminal justice reform. And btw—the answer is that because the state has the burden of proof, it gets the last word."

Dr Kristy Parker, a former federal civil rights prosecutor, expressed incredulity at Trump's lack of understanding of fundamental aspects of the criminal justice system, suggesting it's unprecedented for someone who held the presidency to demonstrate such ignorance.

Dr Kristy Parker added, "I wonder if there's ever been a person who occupied the presidency who was this ignorant about basic principles of our criminal justice system. Actually, I don't wonder."

Social media users mock Trump's legal acumen

Social media users wasted no time in mocking Trump's apparent ignorance of legal procedures.

One user wrote, "@realDonaldTrump because that's how it ALWAYS works, dip s**t. Are you SERIOUSLY this stupid??" [sic]

Another added, "Are you just now figuring out how court works, Donny? Take some notes, you’ll need them."

One user said, "Oh just a little something you know nothing about called the law and the way its done for all Americans not the exceptional one like yourself." [sic]

Another added, "If you think Donnie’s in total panic now, just wait until the prosecution finishes its final summation. He’ll be back to calling for violent insurrection. This is all just too funny."

One user said, "Been that way for decades if not centuries. The law doesn't change just because of the defendant's name."

One added, "Donald Trump learning in real time how trial procedures work in virtually every criminal court. Prosecutors typically get a rebuttal during closings because burden of proof lies with them, not defense." [sic]

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