Former Trump White House Lawyer Says Jury ‘Had No Choice’ But to Convict the Ex-President

A lawyer who worked in Donald Trump’s administration said the Manhattan jury in the former president’s criminal trial “had no choice” other than to deliver a guilty verdict.

That jury found Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to cover up extramarital affairs. Prosecutors argued he arranged the payments to prevent unflattering stories from adversely affecting his 2016 presidential campaign.

Ty Cobb, who worked in the Trump White House, said the jury’s decision was academic on Thursday’s edition of OutFront on CNN.

“Two days ago, you said there could easily be a verdict by the weekend,” host Erin Burnett noted to her guest. “You did say that verdict would be guilty. You’re right on both counts – to use the word ‘counts’ – but what do you think about the jury? All 34. Anything about this surprise you?”

“Not really, Erin,” he responded. “I think that given the indictment, as it was written, the proof as it came in establishing the facts necessary to support those charges as written, and the jury instructions surrounding the statute in question, I think the jurors really had no choice and I don’t think they had much difficulty reaching these conclusions. I think the issue with this case has always been more legal than factual.”

Cobb went on to say he believes there are “significant issues” that could make the verdict vulnerable on appeal.

“They may not prevail, but I think Trump has a better basis for appeal,” he said.

Burnett asked if the appeal could make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority and three Trump appointees.

“It’s certainly possible that it could after a long road in the New York appellate world,” he replied.

Watch above via CNN.

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!