Trump: ‘Feeling Very Optimistic’ After Defense Concludes in New York Trial

Former President Donald Trump left the courtroom in good spirits on Tuesday after his legal team wrapped up its case in his New York criminal trial.

“Feel very good,” Trump expressed in a video posted on his Truth Social account, speaking to reporters outside the Manhattan courtroom. “I think we have a strong case that has been presented. There was no crime. In fact, all reviews of the case so far have indicated that there is no crime. It should have never been brought to trial. It should be dismissed before a verdict is reached.

“We have a judge [Juan Merchan] that is quite complex, and some might say conflicted. He’s a complex and conflicted individual.”

Trump’s legal team requested Merchan to step down from the case because his daughter, Loren Merchan, is the president of Authentic Campaigns, a progressive political consulting firm based in Chicago with clients like Rep. Adam Schiff and the Senate Majority PAC. Merchan rejected the motion and continued presiding over the case.

“It’s a frustrating situation,” Trump remarked. “This is unprecedented.”

Later on Tuesday, Trump’s attorneys and prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office were scheduled to meet with Merchan to discuss the legal instructions to be given to the jury before they make a decision on Trump’s fate. Closing arguments are expected to start next week.

“We are in a situation where there is no crime, and these next few hours are crucial because the judge may try to fabricate one from a misdemeanor, which is not possible due to the statute of limitations, and elevate it to a felony without proof,” Trump stated.

“Various legal experts and scholars have confirmed that there is no crime. They will try to create one now, and the judge will assist them because the judge has been very supportive of the other party. This should not happen in our country.”