Former President Trump’s ongoing trial in Manhattan has garnered support from several GOP lawmakers and politicians who are being considered as potential running mates for Trump’s 2024 presidential bid. Among those showing support for Trump outside the courtroom were North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, Florida Rep. Cory Mills, and former 2024 GOP contender Vivek Ramaswamy. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson also made an appearance to support Trump in his battle against 34 counts of falsifying business records. Trump has been joined in court by other potential running mates such as Ohio Sen. JD Vance, New York Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, and his son Eric Trump.
The trial, now in its 17th day, is expected to hear more testimony from former Trump attorney Michael Cohen. Monday saw Cohen testifying for the first time, detailing how he paid former pornographic actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to silence her claims of an alleged extramarital affair with Trump in 2006. Prosecutors allege that the Trump Organization reimbursed Cohen and fraudulently recorded the payments as legal expenses. They are working to demonstrate that Trump falsified records with the intent to commit a crime or conceal another crime. Cohen also revealed how he secretly recorded Trump in 2016 discussing another payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal regarding an alleged affair with Trump.
The large showing of Trump allies in court this week comes as the former president remains evasive about his vice presidential pick, promising to make a selection before the Republican National Convention in July. During a recent closed-door fundraiser in Florida, Trump hinted that the large number of potential running mates campaigning for him might make the selection process more effective. Meanwhile, GOP lawmakers and politicians supporting Trump have criticized the gag order imposed on him, preventing him from speaking publicly about trial witnesses or family members of court officials. Trump has been fined for violating the order multiple times, with the presiding judge warning of potential jail time if he continues to defy the restriction.
Trump’s trial has drawn significant attention to the alleged falsification of business records, with Cohen’s testimony shedding light on key events and payments related to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. The former president continues to deny the allegations of extramarital affairs and maintains his innocence in the case. The trial has also become a key battleground for political positioning, with potential running mates making appearances in court to support Trump and defend him against the charges. The role of key individuals like Michael Cohen, Allen Weisselberg, and David Pecker in these events is expected to be further explored as the trial progresses.
The ongoing trial involving former President Trump has had far-reaching implications within the GOP, with potential running mates and allies showing strong support for Trump as he faces charges of falsifying business records. The trial, now in its 17th day, has featured significant testimony from former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, revealing details about hush payments made to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. The show of support outside the courtroom highlights the political significance of the trial for Trump’s potential 2024 run and the selection of a vice presidential candidate. Trump’s defiance of the gag order and the continued legal battles surrounding the trial add further complexity to the unfolding drama.
