Trump cedes control as circus associates take the lead

Circus leader Trump lets others perform for his entertainment.

In the bustling criminal court of Manhattan, Judge Merchan maintains a strict atmosphere of no games tolerance, with Donald Trump obliging accordingly. However, outside the courtroom, a different set of rules apply. These conditions have set the stage for a circus-like series of happenings in the hush money trial against Trump since April 15. With its conclusion nearing, both the prosecution and defense have submitted their witnesses for questioning and presented their evidence.

The indictment against Trump alleges that he paid 130,000 US dollars to actress Stormy Daniels through his intermediary, Michael Cohen, during the 2016 presidential election campaign. Daniels was bound by an agreement not to discuss their sexual encounter, according to her testimony, fearing the potential negative implications for his chances of victory. The prosecution seeks to prove that Trump intentionally masked the reimbursements to Cohen as a means to conceal illegal campaign funding and may even serve time in prison for such actions.

This marks the first criminal trial against a former U.S. chief executive in Manhattan, thus creating historic precedence. However, Trump and his followers have essentially transformed it into a spectacle. Trump conducts himself as the ringmaster, guiding the proceedings to a considerable extent while letting his supporters, politicians, and lawyers serve as his voice. A brief recap of recent events:

Camera face-offs, protesters, and art activities

The street outside the grim building in lower Manhattan is teeming with media buzz every day of the trial, eagerly coverage-chasing the events unfolding indoors. Cameras are banned from the premises, forcing production crews across the street to position their reporters with the fortress serving as the backdrop. The main issue lies in the fact that the entrance seen from this vantage point is the one covered in scaffolding, rather than the main entrance. Passersby queue for hours, and some even pay 50 USD per hour to reserve a place in line overnight.

The jurors, witnesses, and Trump himself utilize various doors on the 15th floor. Mere steps away from this hubbub, Trump laments the alleged witch hunt against himself, the Democrats, and his opponent before and after each day of the trial. He then proceeds to attend campaign rallies nearby. Nevertheless, New York City is hostile territory for Trump and his MAGA supporters. The city predominantly votes Democratic.

A few Trump supporters gather in the plaza opposite the courtroom on hearing days. One sign states: "The Deep State American Stasi vs. Donald Trump". A short distance away, opponents are confined by the police. "No one is above the law," the message conveys. Last Thursday, a van unexpectedly stops in front of the courthouse. An artist releases pink penis balloons with the faces of Judge Juan Merchan, the prosecuting attorney Alvin Bragg, and Jack Smith in the courtroom's direction. The law enforcers stand by, observing these antics.

Self-immolation

Maxwell Azzarello enters Manhattan on April 18. Prior to his entrance, he takes a photo with a sign proclaiming, "Trump allies with Biden and they are planning a fascist coup." He hands out flyers titled "Secrets of our corrupt world", in which he predicts an imminent economic breakdown. Soon after, he takes out a container, pours the contents over himself, and sets himself ablaze. He succumbs to his injuries in the hospital two days later.

Police parade

As Trump appears as the defendant, his advisors orchestrate visits from politicians. Following their flights from Washington, they thunder into the New York courtroom and seat behind him. However, they do not stay there; instead, they step outside to address the press. The Republicans exploit the media attention to denounce those involved in the proceedings as well as the Democrats and paint Trump as the victim. Trump appears content with the coverage: "They're speaking very nicely about me," he remarked on Monday.

Unlike Trump, the court has forbidden him from spoken aloud during the trial; he only occasionally mutters with his legal team. Ultimately, they determined against having Trump testify in person.

Last week, Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, delivered a memorable speech on a plaza. He referred to the ongoing "mock trial" as a "mockery of justice." Johnson believed this was an example of abuse of power, and targeted the public prosecutor's office and the judge, claiming they were conniving with the Democrats to hinder Trump's campaigning. This accusation also concealed election interference, he argued.

Johnson's allegations were seconded by many of Trump's allies. They criticized the judge for being a registered Democratic donor four years ago, along with his daughter's affiliations with democratic politicians. This scandal involving election interruption by the justice system didn't go unnoticed by countless other politicians throughout the trial.

Apart from Johnson, Lauren Boebert was frustrated with the allegations that Trump wasn't made aware of his crime. Congressman Matt Gaetz aligned himself with Trump, posting a photo of himself standing behind him in the hallway, writing, "Standing by and standing back, Mr President." His caption was a nod to the notorious "Proud Boys," a pro-Trump militia that caused chaos during the storming of Congress on January 6, 2021.

No Room for Games

Surprisingly, Trump's defense lawyers called Robert Costello to the stand during the penultimate day of questioning. The judge was hesitant at first but eventually permitted the testimony. However, he sent a stern warning: "I won't tolerate a trial within a trial". Trump's legal team had persistently attacked the star witness Cohen, accusing him of dissembling. Costello, a close associate of Trump's former attorney Rudy Giuliani, was meant to further tarnish Cohen's reputation; however, his own behavior betrayed him.

Costello openly ridiculed the judge's judgments to the point where it created an outcry in the courtroom. After excluding the jurors and journalists, the judge reprimanded Costello vehemently. He warned Trump's lawyers that they would lose their witness and have all his statements eradicated if he didn't maintain decorum. They both eventually complied, resulting in one of the most intense moments in the trial.

The much-awaited trial is approaching its conclusion. The rest of this week has no scheduled trial days, but closing statements are scheduled for Tuesday next week. At this point, the judge will educate the jurors in depth about the considerations they'll use to assess Trump's guilt or innocence. In the event Trump is found guilty, the judge will determine his punishment. If the jurors are at an impasse, the judge will declare a mistrial without ultimate judgment. The prosecution will deliberate over whether to retain the charges, seek a fresh trial, or opt out.

Helium balloons in the shape of genitals rose into the sky in front of the criminal court.

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The indictment against Donald Trump in the hush money trial involves accusations of paying 130,000 USD to actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 US presidential election campaign, an act that could potentially lead to charges of concealing illegal campaign funding if proven. This trial, which has become a spectacle due to Trump's involvement, could potentially impact his future campaigns, including the US presidential election in 2024.

Despite the ongoing trial, Trump has continued to attend campaign rallies and engage with his supporters, who have rallied behind him in various forms, such as holding protests and art activities near the courtroom. One artist even released pink penis balloons with the faces of Judge Juan Merchan, the prosecuting attorney Alvin Bragg, and Jack Smith, targeting key figures in the trial. This trial and its aftermath have certainly not been short of drama, with Stormy Daniels, Donald Trump, and the US presidential election 2016 acting as its central themes.

Source: www.ntv.de