Jury Deliberations Underway in Trump’s NY Trial; US: Rafah Deaths Won't Impact Israel Policy

Jury deliberations began on May 29 in former President Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial, after Judge Juan Merchan gave jurors his instructions. The jury must evaluate 34 counts of falsifying business records, and there’s no time limit for the deliberations. President Trump told reporters that the charges were rigged and again accused the judge of being conflicted while saying that “Mother Teresa could not beat these charges.”

President Joe Biden plans to launch a nationwide effort to mobilize black voters during a campaign rally in Philadelphia, aiming to win back support from a slice of the electorate that polls show wavering in support. Joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and a slate of black elected officials, President Biden is expected to boost his achievements while also targeting his rival, President Trump.

The Biden administration on May 28 said it was closely monitoring the probe into a deadly Israeli airstrike it called beyond tragic, but that the recent deaths in Rafah didn't constitute a major operation there that crosses red lines. Asked if he was saying the recent ground operations in Rafah would not prompt a U.S. withdrawal of more military aid, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, "I believe that's what I've been saying here."