Former President Donald Trump has vowed to stand up for himself in his impending hush money trial in Manhattan, while Trump’s staffers have vowed to keep him on the campaign trail as the case drags on. promised.
“I’m testifying,” Trump told reporters. Mar-a-Lago press conference.
“I tell the truth. All I can do is tell the truth,” he declared on Friday. “And the truth is, there’s no case. They don’t have a case.”
The case, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, is of historical significance as it marks the first time a former U.S. president has been brought to trial on criminal charges.
Jury selection begins Monday.
Mr. Bragg indicted Mr. Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records for allegedly trying to conceal a single payment to former porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
The $130,000 fee was allegedly paid by then-lawyer Michael Cohen at Trump’s behest to silence Daniels’ claims that she had an affair with a billionaire years ago.
President Trump has denied any relationship with Daniels, but maintains his innocence.
If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to four years in prison.
He called the trial an unwarranted “witch hunt” on Friday.
“It’s not a trial, it’s a fraud,” Trump said. “It’s election interference by the Biden administration.”
He also came close to violating a gag order imposed on him by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Machan. The same judge last month ordered Trump not to comment on various witnesses, court officials and prosecutors, including the lead prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo. Former Justice Department official under President Biden’s administration.
“They actually put one of their top guys, one of their top guys, in the DA’s office to run it,” Trump complained, referring to Colangelo by name but by name. “And that’s unfortunate.”
The trial in Manhattan Supreme Court is expected to last up to eight weeks, requiring Mr. Trump to remain in New York without campaigning and attend in person during the courtroom session at 100 Center Street.
But President Trump’s aides said Saturday that the trial, which they dubbed the “Biden trial,” would give the candidate control over news coverage by making daily appearances before the media at Trump Tower and on the steps of the courthouse. He said it would provide endless opportunities.
“Every time the president appears in court, the focus is on him and his message,” a campaign official said. told CNN Saturday.
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon: “If President Trump handles it wisely, his trial could energize the country.” told Politico. “It’s going to be the centerpiece of his campaign.”
On court day, the campaigns are planning both virtual and in-person events for the candidates, many of which they hinted will take place in the New York area.
Meanwhile, Trump plans to attend fundraisers and rallies on Wednesdays and weekends when the court is not in session, officials said.
