Prosecutors contended that the evidence, encompassing testimony, emails, and audio recordings, unequivocally demonstrates Trump's deep involvement in the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal to suppress damaging information ahead of the 2016 election.

The prosecution stressed that Trump ordered his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to make the payments, which were then falsely documented as legal expenses, in a bid to sway the election illegally.

Trump's defense lawyers questioned Cohen's credibility, labeling him a liar and a thief, and asserted that the payments were legitimate legal expenses rather than part of an illegal campaign finance scheme.

The defense argued that prosecutors failed to prove Trump had criminal intent, asserting there is no evidence that he knew the payments were improper or that he intended to influence the election.

Prosecutors presented emails revealing that Trump's lawyer, Robert Costello, worked to manipulate Cohen, undermining the defence's assertion that Costello was acting as an independent advisor.

The judge directed the jury to focus solely on the charges against Trump as they deliberate, disregarding the broader political implications or any other criminal cases he faces.

Trump has persisted in attacking the judge, prosecutors, and the justice system, asserting that he is the victim of a conspiracy, despite the judge's warning against violating a gag order.

The verdict could greatly affect Trump's personal life and his bid to regain the presidency, as this is the only one of his four pending criminal cases likely to go to a jury before the 2024 election.

Prosecutors require a unanimous guilty verdict from the 12-person jury to convict Trump, whereas the defense needs just one holdout to prevent a conviction.

The closing arguments mark the climax of Trump's first criminal trial, potentially making history by determining whether he becomes the first ex-president to be convicted of a crime.