Defense rests case in Trump hush money trial without Trump taking the stand

The defense rested its case Tuesday in Donald Trump's New York trial without testimony from the former president. 

After wrapping up questioning of its final witness, Trump's lead lawyer Todd Blanche rested the case. 

After the announcement, the prosecution, which rested its case on Monday, declined to call any rebuttal witnesses. 

Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the trial, indicated that closing arguments would take place next Tuesday, following the Memorial Day holiday.

"I've considered all the permutation … at the end of the day, I think the best thing that we can do is to adjourn now until next Tuesday. At that time you will hear summations from the attorneys. Probably Wendesday I’ll ask you to come in … hear jury charge and then I would expect that you will begin your deliberations hopefully at some point on Wednesday," Merchan told the jury on Tuesday, according to CNN. 

After the closing arguments, the 12-person jury will begin deliberation and must come to a unanimous decision.