Suddenly, the Trump criminal trial became a stark reality. Just a day after the guilty verdict on all counts, Trump called for a press conference at Trump Tower, right by the infamous escalators. As if transported back to 2016 when he became President-Elect, Trump is attempting to recreate the environment of his ascent to power, but now the velvet ropes in the hallway of his 5th Avenue building corral a noticeably reduced press corps. His press team press selectively granted credentials to a handful of favored news organizations while rejecting others deemed less favorable.
An hour behind schedule, Trump finally appeared in front of the American flags, ready to fight for his freedom and political future. The former president appeared energized, a contrast to his pale demenour when the verdict was delivered the previous day. Trump’s lawyer decried the trial as unfair, insisting that his client could not receive justice from a biased judge. Trump was prepared to reiterate these points and more.
While many legal experts believe Trump might avoid jail time, as the severity of his conviction does not typically warrant such a sentence, the judge could still decide to send him to Rikers Island on July 11. The immediate reality remains tense as Trump prepares to fight his next trial in Florida. Compounding his legal woes, the former president confronts three additional indictments, further entangling him in complex legal battles.
Trump: If They Can Do This to Me, They Can Do it to Anyone
From the podium, Trump launched into his address with a bold assertion: “If they can do this to me, they can do it to anyone.” Characterizing his adversaries as “sick” individuals, he leveled accusations against the Biden administration, branding them as a “group of fascists.” Trump’s critique extended to their handling of immigration, taxes, and what he deemed as obstructive policies making it “impossible for you to buy a car.” While facing journalists in the room, Trump’s true audience was the American voter, tuned in to his speech on national television.
Trump claimed the judge was “highly conflicted” and said he was under a “nasty” gag order and “threatened” with jail. From the outset, Trump framed his speech in political terms, emphasizing his status as a “leading candidate” in the upcoming election and highlighting the restrictions placed upon him by the gag order.
“This is all done by Biden and his people,” Trump said, attributing his legal troubles to a conspiracy orchestrated by Washington. Under the gag order, Trump warned that continuing to speak about the “conflicted” judge could lead to further trouble. Nonetheless, he extended an invitation to the press to delve into and disseminate their findings on the alleged conflict.
He described the judge as someone who “looks like an angel” but is actually “the Devil.” Trump insisted he wanted a fair trial with an unbiased judge. He also criticized AG Bragg as a “failed AG” who is not effectively addressing crime in New York City.
Addressing the charges of “falsifying business records,” Trump contended that the expense in question had been accurately recorded as a legal expense by a bookkeeper, emphasizing his lack of involvement or knowledge in the matter.
Commenting on his decision not to testify, Trump revealed that while he wished to do so, legal counsel advised against it, cautioning that any deviation in his testimony could potentially lead to perjury charges. Emphasizing the gravity of his struggle, he emphasized that the fight he is undertaking is “far beyond me” and his presidential run. He cited a Daily Mail poll suggesting he is up by six points, saying, “The public understands what is going on.”
Trump doubled down on his stance, depicting the court proceedings as a starkly politicized affair overseen by a judge whom he accused of having previously “destroyed the life of a very good man.” Trump lamented the man’s plight, asserting that he was unjustly targeted over matters related to his children’s education, resulting in his imprisonment at the age of 77, a circumstance Trump juxtaposed with his own age. “We should have a little sorrow for this man,” Trump said, expressing what he hoped others would feel about him. Trump concluded by saying that we live in a “fascist” state.
Trump Brands Michael Cohen a “Sleazebag”
Trump called Michael Cohen a “sleazebag” who got into trouble because of his deals with taxi cabs and made a plea deal to “get off.” He accused Cohen of borrowing large sums of money and potentially defrauding banks. Defending the practice of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), Trump contended that they were not akin to “hush money” but rather were entirely lawful and widely employed, even on the members of the press within their respective organizations.
Trump asserted that the funds allocated to Stormy Daniels were managed by his former attorney, Michael Cohen. He alleged that upon assuming the presidency, Cohen engaged in unauthorized negotiations with various companies, leading to his swift dismissal from Trump’s inner circle once these activities came to light.
Highlighting his fundraising prowess following the verdict, Trump revealed that he had amassed a staggering $39 million from small donors within a mere 10-hour window, citing contributions ranging from as little as $21 to $53.
Trump maintains that legal experts believe “this is a case that should not have been brought.” He cited a Daily Mail poll showing him up six points in the last 12 hours, saying, “Who thought that this would happen?”
Speaking on the next step, he said he is going to appeal this “scam” of the verdict. “The judge was a tyrant,” he said, referencing “fine man” Bob Costello as an example.
Trump Blasts Biden and Slams “Unselect Committee of Thugs”
Trump lambasted Biden as a “danger” to America, vowing to continue fighting because that’s just his nature. He derided the January 6th Committee as the “Unselect Committee of thugs,” dismissing its members—both Democrats and Republicans—as individuals no longer in business. Trump vehemently denied reports of him taking control of the wheel from the Secret Service, calling it a fabricated story.
“I had a friend that said, you shouldn’t dispute that. that makes you look like the toughest cookie we’ve ever seen. You should have let that go on. but the fact is, it never happened. It was all made up”
“November 5th is going to be the most important day in the history of our country,” said Trump inviting everyone to go and donate to donaldtrump.com
He said that the Democrats “hate our country” as “who on Earth would want open borders.” He said that the “record level” number of terrorists came into America during the Biden administration.
Trump expressed concern over China allegedly sending thousands of young men into the US, likening it to a recruitment exercise for an army. He criticized the treatment of American veterans, contrasting their homelessness with the purported luxury accommodations given to illegal immigrants.
Trump said he is willing to do whatever it takes to Save America and the US Constitution. “We’re going to make America great again,” pledged Trump “very simple.”
Trump concluded his remarks without taking any questions from the press.
