Ghislaine Maxwell Trial Draws To A Close

It’s Monday, December 20th, and this is your Morning Wire. Listen to the full podcast:

1) Ghislaine Maxwell Trial Draws To A Close

The Topline: Ghislaine Maxwell’s defense team rested its case after just two days, setting up closing arguments to begin today. 

Andrew Savulich/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

The Trial

The Ghislaine Maxwell trial was expected to last up to six weeks, but the defense rested its case on Friday, ending testimony after 12 trial days – the defense took only 2. On Monday, closing arguments will be made by both sides, and the outcome could be known as early as Tuesday. 

Maxwell is accused of trafficking underage girls across state lines for deceased businessman Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell declined to testify on her own behalf. The judge asked her why, explaining that it was her choice, and she claimed that since the prosecution had not proven their case beyond reasonable doubt, there was no reason for her to testify. 

The case has been considered by most legal experts to be a toss-up and closing arguments are likely to be consequential for both sides. Each side introduced a slew of documentary evidence, flight logs, school records, photos, and emails, but didn’t explain why many of these elements had been introduced. Witness testimony largely failed to present a clear narrative, so it will be up to the attorneys in closing to tie up all the loose ends.

Since the defense only presented a handful of witnesses, they likely agree with Maxwell that the prosecutors did not prove their case. The defense called an ex-girlfriend of Epstein’s who was friendly with him and Maxwell for decades, and a former employee who praised Maxwell as a boss. Both women said they never saw or participated in any inappropriate behavior. There was also expert and technical testimony, which will possibly be fleshed out in closing arguments.

Photographer: Samuel Corum/Bloomberg/Contributor via Getty Images

2) Manchin Kills Biden’s Social Spending Bill

The Topline: On Sunday, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced on Fox News he will vote “No” on the Build Back Better Act, effectively putting an end to the legislation as it currently stands. 

Quote Of The Day: “… I cannot vote to continue with this piece of legislation. I just can’t. I’ve tried everything humanly possible. I can’t get there. … This is a ‘no’ on this legislation. I have tried everything I know to do and the president has worked diligently. …”

– Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)

White House Responds

By defecting from his party on the bill, Manchin has effectively ended negotiations on the current version of the Democrats’ expansive social spending bill. 

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden reportedly told aides that Manchin might be leaning towards voting against the bill, but it was still a surprise when he announced it on Fox News Sunday. Manchin reportedly reached out to the White House about half an hour before appearing on Fox, so they weren’t entirely blindsided, but one senior aide still described it as “a total surprise.” There appeared to be a feeling in the White House that Manchin was still more on the fence at this stage. 

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki released a written statement shortly after the announcement which characterized Manchin’s announcement as a “sudden and inexplicable reversal” and a “breach of his commitments.” Psaki’ also said the White House will “continue to press [Manchin] … to honor his prior commitments and be true to his word.” She also suggested he’s being dishonest about his reasons for rejecting the bill.

Manchin’s Opposition

The main issue for the moderate senator from West Virginia has been the price of the bill. 

Manchin has said he’s concerned about inflation, and the legislation would cost trillions of dollars. The official price tag is $1.9 trillion, but experts say it would likely end up being two or three times that amount. Manchin also said he’s hesitant to sign a large and complex bill that isn’t clear and transparent to his constituents. In his statement, Manchin said “If I can’t go back home and explain it, I can’t vote for it.”

What’s Next: It seems increasingly unlikely there will be another version of the

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