Trump desired to testify, but not address every question.
Stunning Positivity Among Trump Followers Near Trump Tower
As per historical assessment, there is a surprisingly positive atmosphere amongst Donald Trump's devotees outside the Trump Tower. The sun is shining, and within, the ex-president is revisiting a pivotal place.
He barely lowers his hands. Donald Trump, 24 hours after his epochal conviction in the hush money trial, speaks in the foyer of the Trump Tower, outlining his interpretation of the situation. "Rotten, in many instances contagious people" is what this has brought about for him, he tells a specially chosen press corps, while the police have set up barricades in front of the entrance. The former president stresses, queries rhetorically, spells out his version. The jury's verdict of the Manhattan court is incorporated into his narrative, which he paints intently without pause: me and my devotees, the victims. The others and President Joe Biden, the perpetrators.
The fact that Trump is holding his press conference here on the ground floor carries symbolic weight. Eight years ago, he descended the famous escalator in this structure to proclaim his candidacy. Eight years ago, this building also hosted the encounter with his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen and the tabloid publisher David Pecker, in which they agreed to remove Trump's extramarital affairs from publication. Based on the prosecution, this marks the beginning of the conspiracy to influence the election, which was coated with faked documents. Found guilty of 34 counts. The sentence will be pronounced on July 11th.
Now, 18 hours after the verdict, the convicted man holds his extended monologue. "I expressed I desired to testify," Trump confirms. Yet the judge allowed no questions other than those pertaining to the case under review; "Was I a mischievous boy here, a mischievous boy there?" He didn't want to get trapped, he clarifies, moreover, he implies. Trump indicates with his podium to the enormous glass wall facing the street, where a multitude of people can be seen. "I'd like to thank the significant mass very much. The support is astonishing."
Outside, a throng gathers at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street and on the sidewalk opposite. A gathered mob of journalists and a smaller coalition of Trump followers. The sun shines, someone plays pop music through a speaker, flags flutter in the breeze; amongst them, a massive one with "Trump or Death" accompanied by a website address, pointing towards a fan shop. There are flags and tees: "The Donfather" modeled after "The Godfather", the purported election triumph 2020 ("Trump Won"), or "The Real Revolution - November 3, 2020", the day of the past presidential election, when Trump lost his presidency in the MAGA community only due to hypothesized election fraud by Biden.
Two friends lean against the wall and observe the scene. "I chuckled when I heard about the verdict," says Paul Duran, a 57-year-old wearing a Trump T-shirt and matching cap. The two New Yorkers aimed to visit the courthouse, but the verdict arrived beforehand. "We're witnessing a motion picture, and right now the grand finale," he says: "It's the beginning of the end for Biden's presidency." They foresee Trump's election win in November. Lawyers concur. Even if a prison sentence is pronounced in July, the Republican candidate's selected individual can proceed to the White House.
Duran and his friend have collaborated together as craftsmen on buildings in the city. Then the pandemic ensued, they vehemently rejected the obligatory vaccination. Paul Duran was able to retire prematurely, but his colleague was dismissed and has been jobless since then. Not only Trump's endorsers, but also opponents are jostling the pavement. "Lock him up," reads a placard on a post. "How much do you ask for that?" Paul Duran inquires of its owner. "1000 dollars!" is the response. Paul Duran waves his hand with a smile.
Between the crowd and Trump Tower, a few cars adorned with reverent items and phrases pass by, the conference is all concluded. Trump's devotees aren't interested in leaving, they're relishing the show. "Fuck Biden," one of the banners from the barricade greets the cars. A giant pickup truck sounds off a deafening horn, alternating with a hip-hop track bearing a Trump sample. "We are the best nation on Earth," his voice reverberates on the beat.
Questions are not welcome
Earlier, Trump had grieved within the Tower that he should be imprisoned, while the violence in the city was reaching unparalleled levels. "That's far beyond me, that shouldn't be done to other presidents. That's bigger than Trump or my term of office." It sounded like what Trump has been endeavoring to achieve through his attorneys at the Supreme Court: Immunity not only for those presently in office, but also for former presidents. The Republican-dominated Supreme Court will issue its response by July, at the latest. Depending on how it transpires, three additional cases could be pending for him, including one for the accusation of inciting the riot on January 6, 2021, when hundreds of his devotees stormed the Capitol.
The former president appeared mainly composed, yet resolute. Occasionally, a hint of irritation would surface. In stark contrast to the day following the judgment on Thursday, when Trump departed the courtroom to face the cameras and roboticly repeated his victim remarks. He needed to utter something. The following day, he was back on his path, moving forward. "We'll battle," he told the crowd. He refused to entertain any queries.
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Despite the conviction in the hush money trial, Donald Trump expresses gratitude towards his supporters, promising a victory in the US presidential election 2024. In a press conference at the Trump Tower, Trump mentions that he wanted to testify during the trial but was not allowed to address all questions due to the limited scope.
As other presidential candidates start their campaign preparations for the 2024 election, Joe Biden's presidency faces challenges, especially with Trump's supporters predicting a victory for the former president. This stance among Trump's followers remains unchanged even after his conviction, demonstrating a strong political loyalty towards him.
