Paul Manafort's defense team officially rested its case Tuesday without calling a single witness. Manafort opted not to testify on his own behalf.
9:19 a.m.: New emails show Manafort deeply involved in financial dealings with banks, loan applications
Before resting Monday, prosecutors moved into evidence about three dozen emails that have not previously been shown. Most attempt to show Paul Manafort himself was deeply involved in his financial dealings even when delegating authority to deputy Rick Gates, who defense attorneys claim was sabotaging his boss. Gates testified he committed fraud at Manafort’s direction and testified under a plea deal with prosecutors.
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Other emails detail what prosecutors said were Federal Savings Bank Chairman Steve Calk’s attempts to get jobs in the Trump campaign and administration.
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Another email shows Manafort reached out to President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner on Nov. 30, 2016, to recommend Calk for Secretary of the Army, saying, “His background is strong in defense issues, management and finance.”
The special counsel had tried to introduce these emails through an FBI agent earlier in the case but were blocked by Judge Ellis. They now plan to show them to jurors only in closing arguments.
Former Department of Defense Special Counsel Ryan Goodman points out Manafort's email to Kushner proves the former was in contact with the Trump campaign long after he left and while he was under investigation.
9:30 a.m.: Defense argues bank would have approved Manafort loans regardless of misinformation in loan applications
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The Federal Savings Bank loaned Manafort $16 million, which prosecutors say Manafort received based on fraudulent financial information. Prosecutors also say the bank’s chief executive, Stephen Calk, had helped Manafort secure the loans because Calk wanted a Cabinet-level position in the Trump administration.
Defense attorneys elaborated on their arguments in a filing late Monday, saying, “any purported misstatements regarding Mr. Manafort’s income or credit card debt were immaterial” to Federal Savings Bank’s decision to loan him $16 million.
Bank chairman Calk, the defense writes, made a fully informed decision based on his interest in a business relationship with Manafort ...
In another filing, defense attorneys asked the court to note that the special counsel is seeking forfeiture of Manafort’s homes in Brooklyn and Bridgehampton, N.Y. The defense suggested Monday that Federal Savings Bank, which wrote the loans to Manafort off as a loss, could have seized his homes as repayment if not for this prosecution.
Judge Ellis denied the motion to acquit.
12:02 p.m.: Manafort defense rests, he will not testify
With that settled he asked Manafort’s team whether it would present a defense case.
“The defense rests,” lead attorney Kevin Downing replied.
As is standard, Ellis then began to question Manafort to ensure he was making that decision with his rights in mind.
With jurors still out of the courtroom, Manafort affirmed to the judge that he did not wish to take the witness stand.
Manafort, in a dark suit and white shirt, stood at the lectern from which his attorneys have questioned witnesses, staring up at the judge. Ellis told Manafort he had a right to testify, though if he chose not to, the judge would tell jurors to draw no inference from that.
Then, leaning into the microphone at his bench, his voice booming through the courtroom, Ellis asked Manafort four questions.
Had Manafort discussed the decision with his attorney?
“I have, your honor,” Manafort responded, his voice clear.
Was he satisfied with their advice?
“I am, your honor,” Manafort said.
Had he decided whether he would testify?
“I have decided,” Manafort said.
“Do you wish to testify?” Ellis concluded.
“No, sir,” Manafort responded.
Manafort returned to his seat.
12:24 p.m.: Jury to be sent home, closing arguments set for Wednesday morning
U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III said that closing arguments in the case will begin at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, and jurors will be given instructions in the case after that ...
The lawyers will discuss Tuesday afternoon what instructions jurors will receive. Those are wonky, but important, as they will shape how jurors debate the charges of which Manafort is accused.
Closing arguments are expected to take much of the day Wednesday. Ellis had said previously he was amenable to giving both sides two hours to make their presentations. On Tuesday, though, he asked them to consider shortening that to an hour and a half.
1:50 p.m.: Jury returns, hears Manafort defense rest case, is dismissed
The jurors were called back to the courtroom shortly after 1:30 p.m., when they heard Manafort’s attorneys rest their case and say they would not be calling any witnesses.
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Manafort looked at the jury as his lead attorney said the defense wouldn’t present any evidence. Most of the jurors looked at the judge as he instructed them to return Wednesday morning and not discuss the case, but at least one juror stared back at Manafort.
Paul Manafort trial Day 11: Defense rests, Manafort will not take the stand (WaPo)