Trump Criticizes Prosecutors During Trial, Maintains Innocence

Former President Donald Trump expressed his innocence and criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and others outside the courthouse where his trial is taking place. Trump alleged political interference to hinder his potential political ambitions, as reported by Mediaite reported.

During an eight-minute speech on Monday, Trump criticized the delay of court proceedings to allow a juror to attend a dental appointment. He accused prosecutors of intentionally prolonging the trial to hinder his political activities.

“They categorized a payment to a lawyer as a legal expense in the records. They didn’t label it as construction. They didn’t indicate that it was for building a building,” stated Trump, referring to the payment to Stormy Daniels. He reiterated that the payment was a legitimate “legal expense” and not an attempt to conceal any wrongdoing.

Trump also distanced himself from his former attorney, Michael Cohen, who claimed that Trump was fully aware of the motive behind the payment to Daniels. Cohen, who has been disbarred and pleaded guilty to bank fraud and other charges, alleged that Trump’s payment was to cover up an alleged affair.

“This is a Biden witch hunt to keep me off the campaign trail. However, my poll numbers are higher than ever, indicating that the trial is not hindering my political prospects,” Trump declared, suggesting that the trial could benefit him politically.

The trial, which is expected to last up to two months, is the first criminal trial of a former American president and the first of four prosecutions of Trump to reach a jury.

Prosecutors are emphasizing the severity of the case, framing it as a case of election interference related to the payment to Daniels.

Despite facing legal challenges, Trump remains defiant, asserting that he is the “leading candidate” and accusing prosecutors of trying to derail his political aspirations. As the trial continues, Trump will be obligated to spend his days in the courtroom rather than on the campaign trail, a fact he has publicly criticized.

“I should be in Georgia right now. I should be in Florida right now. I should be campaigning in many places. Instead, I am here, and this trial is set to continue for a lengthy period, which I find very unjust,” Trump expressed, vocalizing his frustration with the legal proceedings.

Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.