In the first two weeks of his Hush Money criminal trial, Trump largely sitting alone, without allies, in a drab Manhattan courtroom. He heard strangers offer scathing criticisms and former friends reveal unflattering details. And he was frustrated, convinced that his supporters could do more to help him.
He complained that “no one is defending me,” according to a source familiar with some of the former president’s private conversations. He grumbled outside the court that there were no protesters supporting him outside.
On Tuesday, there were signs that his allies are listening to his concerns.
Trump’s son Eric Trump joined him in court – the first time a family member had appeared with him for the trial at 100 Center St.
Also with him for the first time on Tuesday was his strategist and de facto campaign manager Susie Wiles and longtime advisor Dan Scavino. Trump’s legal strategist, Boris Epshteyn, was at his side for two days last week. And Natalie Harp, communications advisor, was present.
Two of Trump’s most high-profile surrogates also appeared in court — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Club for Growth President David McIntosh. After the trial, Paxton spoke to the press in defense of Trump.
The campaign team will rally to Trump’s side, the source said, traveling more frequently to New York as he steps up his campaign while out of court.
Trump complained for days that there were no protesters gathered outside the courthouse, blaming the lack of support on the New York police – falsely claiming that protesters were being banned from gathering outside the building. (Police set aside a designated area across the street in a park for protesters.) On Tuesday, the largest crowd of Trump supporters yet gathered in the morning.
Trump’s lawyers also appeared to adjust the court’s optics. Trump now has a stack of papers in front of him, which he marks during testimony and brings out to cite during comments to the press. When lawyers meet with the judge in court, an attorney often remains at the defense table so that Trump is not seen sitting alone — which some say makes him look small.
Trump’s allies in Washington stepped up their efforts by going after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the case against Trump and who was seen just feet away from the former president in court.
Bill White, a fundraiser for Trump, said he has contacted the chairmen of the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees, urging them to do more to show support for Trump and defend him. He said he received a polite message from Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan’s office thanking him. Soon after, Jordan, R-Ohio, in a Letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, attacked the prosecution as “politicized” and questioned the hiring of a former Justice Department attorney who now works for Bragg.
“The people who aren’t defending him, we’re all watching and remembering,” White said. “Anyone who supported President Trump should be there every day defending him. And he’s right to question why they aren’t.”
The source said Trump praised Jordan’s efforts in recent days.
Some of his allies also say they are paying close attention.
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung, calling the case against the former president “partisan,” said the show of support was due to the case.
“President Trump and his allies know the truth is on their side and will fight these frauds at every step,” he said in a statement. “President Trump’s supporters and allies are out in full force, including House leadership on Tuesday, fighting the partisan and illegal war.”
Robert Hirschhorn, a lawyer and trial consultant, said addressing optics is important to Trump.
“Here are the options: One is that he continues to be a grumpy old man or he may do things to divert the jury’s attention,” said Hirschhorn, who helped select the jury in the Robert Durst case (of “The Jinx” fame). ”, from HBO). ) which ended in acquittal. “And someone relayed the message to him.”
Hirschhorn pointed to the effect of “having Eric present” and Trump sitting upright in the courtroom as ways of reshaping the jury’s perception. But there’s more he could be doing, he said.
“If this guy was smart, he would have this smart, beautiful wife in court every day,” Hirschhorn added. “The fact that she’s not there sends a message. You can do all that righteous indignation all day, but you have to walk the talk and talk the talk.
Hirschhorn said that recent The influx of family members, advisors and allies alongside Trump may be creating a dynamic to help strengthen his defense in the face of allegations of extramarital affairs.
“Let’s see if another family member shows up on Thursday,” he said. “Because if I’m the jury consultant, I’m asking how can we convey to the jury that these people aren’t telling the truth: Take your wife to court.”
Trump also appeared at times to be asleep in the courtroom, a view that could work against him with the jury if some begin to believe he is not taking the case seriously or is wasting time.
Giving Trump documents to read and notes to take could help offset that.
“When you have a client on trial, it’s an extraordinarily stressful experience,” said Tim Parlatore, a lawyer who previously worked on Trump’s defense team in the federal election interference case. “And so you want to make sure that they are as comfortable as possible, within reason, because ultimately the way they are sitting and their behavior is something that the jury sees.”
“Everything you’re doing, the jury is watching,” he added. “These are smart tactics.”
Trump faces 34 criminal charges of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult film star Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
This article was originally published in NBCNews. with
