Former President Donald Trump has criticized the judge overseeing his falsifying business records case on the eve of the historic criminal trial. Trump accused New York Judge Juan Merchan of being “totally conflicted” due to his past donation to President Joe Biden’s campaign. Trump also suggested that he will be fighting not only for himself but also for the country during the proceedings. The charges against Trump relate to the arrangement of “hush money” for adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair they had prior to the 2016 election.
The trial, set to begin with jury selection, marks the first time in U.S. history that a former president faces criminal charges in court. These proceedings could have significant implications for the 2024 election between Trump and Biden, with polls suggesting that voters may be hesitant to support Trump if he is found guilty. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, denying the allegations of an affair with Stormy Daniels. The money paid to her was concealed in company records as “legal fees,” which prosecutors argue was an illegal attempt to influence the election’s outcome.
In a social media post, Trump also targeted Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, accusing the trial of being an “election interference” tactic to prevent him from returning to the White House. Trump described the legal system as chaotic, a state overrun by crime and corruption, and suggested that the case was rigged against him by President Biden’s allies. Despite a gag order imposed on him by Judge Merchan, Trump has been vocal about the case on social media, criticizing the judge and the charges against him. His legal team and Bragg’s office have yet to comment on Trump’s claims.
Apart from the New York trial, Trump faces three other state and federal trials related to his alleged criminal efforts to overturn the 2020 election, hoarding of classified documents, and obstructing federal attempts to retrieve these materials from his Mar-a-Lago resort. Trump’s 2024 campaign press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has called the proceedings against the former president a “travesty of justice.” She characterized the situation as the sitting president, Joe Biden, using the justice system as a weapon against his political opponent, comparing it to tactics used in third-world countries rather than in the United States.
The upcoming trial in New York is viewed as a critical moment in the nation’s history, with Trump labeling November 5th as a pivotal day. He exudes confidence in the country’s ability to regain its greatness despite the challenges being faced. The outcome of the trial could significantly impact the 2024 election and shape the political landscape for years to come. As Trump prepares to face the legal battle ahead, tensions between the former president and the judicial system remain high, with allegations of bias and interference dominating the discourse surrounding the case.
