The courtroom during Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial is tense and silent, with lawyers and witnesses engaging in conversation and a strong presence of armed court officers and Secret Service agents. Michael D. Cohen, who broke with his former boss in 2018 after serving him for over a decade, testified about Mr. Trump’s operating style, highlighting key aspects that are evident in the courthouse. Prosecutors are relying on Cohen’s testimony even as Trump’s lead lawyer questions his credibility. The trial has brought to light Trump’s tactics and behavior over the years, which include using allies as bullies, obsessing over the press, valuing beauty, and demanding loyalty.
Mr. Trump’s demeanor in court is described as scowling and tough-looking, with his top legal adviser Boris Epshteyn by his side, along with well-groomed and well-coiffed aides. The former president’s interest in being surrounded by attractive women has been noted, along with his previous behavior as a playboy. The trial has brought attention to the “Access Hollywood” recording, in which Trump boasted about grabbing women. Elected officials and former candidates have shown up in court to defend Trump, reflecting his demand for loyalty both publicly and privately.
Initially, few allies accompanied Mr. Trump to court, but after expressing his desire to see more supporters, several elected officials began to show up in the courtroom. Senator Rick Scott, among others, arrived at the urging of Trump’s adviser and became a beacon for politicians who followed suit. The presence of potential running mates and a House speaker demonstrates support for a presumptive nominee who values loyalty. Mr. Trump’s entourage has stretched the boundaries of courthouse rules, with some allies using exceptions to sit in defense rows and post on social media during proceedings.
Photography and video recording are prohibited inside state courtrooms, but news cameras in the courthouse hallway have allowed Mr. Trump and his allies to interact with the press and create content on his behalf. Some of Trump’s allies, including Representative Matt Gaetz, have filmed videos with the former president, testing the limits of what is permitted. On one occasion, Justice Juan M. Merchan admonished Mr. Trump’s legal team after an interruption during Cohen’s testimony, cautioning them not to let it happen again. Despite protests from the defense lawyer, Mr. Trump’s entourage, including members of Congress, continued to fill seats behind the defense table to witness the trial unfold.
The trial has provided insight into Mr. Trump’s behavior and tactics, showcasing his demand for loyalty from allies and his manipulation of the press. The presence of his entourage in court, as well as their actions in defiance of courthouse rules, highlights the lengths to which his supporters will go to show their support. The former president’s reliance on beauty, loyalty, and bullying allies has been a recurring theme throughout the trial, as prosecutors continue to build their case using Cohen’s testimony. The courtroom drama surrounding Mr. Trump’s trial serves as a backdrop for the larger narrative of his presidency and the ongoing influence he wields within the Republican Party.
