The opening day of Donald Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan drew a crowd that was not only smaller but also significantly weirder than before. Supporters and protesters gathered outside the courthouse, with some offering bizarre defenses for the former president’s alleged actions.
One supporter claimed that he opposed the charges against Trump because he too had paid for sex on multiple occasions, assuming that most men had done the same. Another supporter proudly mentioned his time in the Far East in pursuit of such pleasures, emphasizing that it was a common practice among men.
The scene outside the courthouse was not just about defending Trump but also included individuals linking the trial to prostitution and baselessly blaming child-trafficking Democrats for the prosecution, echoing QAnon conspiracy theories. One supporter even delivered a convoluted speech connecting the war in Ukraine, the British establishment, and Stormy Daniels.
Interestingly, senior Republican politicians were notably absent from the event, with only far-right figures like Laura Loomer showing up to support Trump. The lackluster turnout and strange defenses presented by supporters painted a peculiar picture of Trump’s legal defense team.
As the trial unfolds, the spectacle outside the courthouse reflects a divided America, with Trump’s legal troubles becoming a media event rather than a show of strength for the former president. The strange mix of supporters and protesters highlights the challenges Trump may face in winning over voters in the upcoming election year.