Former US President Donald Trump decided not to testify in his hush money trial on Tuesday, as the defence wrapped up its case. This sets the stage for closing arguments and jury deliberations after Memorial Day.

At 77, Trump had left open the possibility of testifying publicly.

Juror instructions would take an hour, and final arguments would take “at least a day,” according to State Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan. “At the end of the day, the best thing we can do is adjourn now until next Tuesday,” he said, deferring the jury’s decision until after the holiday weekend.

In criminal proceedings, the prosecution bears the burden of proof, therefore defendants are not compelled to testify. Trump’s attorneys contend that rather than being a part of a cover-up as claimed, the payments made to his attorney, Michael Cohen, were justifiable legal fees. Throughout the trial breaks, Trump has frequently defended his behavior in the media.

Prosecutors assert that Trump paid porn star Stormy Daniels hush money through Cohen in the run-up to the 2016 election, concealing the payments using an illegal scheme in 2017.

The presumed Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, has entered a not guilty plea to 34 counts of falsifying employment records. He has described the trial as a hoax intended to damage his candidacy.

After meeting with Cohen during the 2018 FBI raid, lawyer Robert Costello concluded the hearing as a crucial defense witness. Judge Marchan threatened to hold Costello in contempt after berating him for his behavior in the courtroom.

Later on, Costello got into a heated argument with lawyer Susan Hoffinger. Cohen claimed he didn’t trust Costello, while he claimed Cohen had “nothing” to do with Trump.

A campaign of pressure on Cohen was rebuffed by Trump’s legal team, and Costello refuted any pressure on his behalf. Save for Costello and a paralegal, the defense did not call any further witnesses.