Trump slams NY hush money trial as 'nonsense' as he enters courtroom, asks for campaign donations
Jury selection begins Monday in Trump's hush-money trial, which is expected to last six to eight weeks.
- Trump called the case 'political persecution' and 'an assault on America.'
- Trump cited unnamed legal scholars calling the case 'nonsense' and arguing it should never have been brought.
Former President Donald Trump gave a one-minute statement to reporters before entering the courtroom, calling his New York hush-money trial “political persecution” and saying he was “proud” and “honored” to be there.
“This is political persecution,” Trump said. “It’s a case that should have never been brought. It’s an assault on America. That’s why I’m very proud to be here.”
Trump appeared for the start of jury selection for an estimated six- to eight-week trial. He pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide payments to silence a porn actress, Stormy Daniels, before the 2016 election.
Trump cited unnamed legal scholars calling the case “nonsense.” As he campaigns against President Joe Biden to return to the White House, Trump said the country is being run “by an incompetent man” and the trial “is really an attack on a political opponent.”
“I’m very honored to be here,” Trump said.
There is no evidence that federal and state officials prosecuting cases against Trump are attacking his reelection bid.
Text with Paste BN: Join our SMS group Your Vote to get insights and analysis on the 2024 election
Minutes after Trump entered the courtroom, his campaign texted out solicitations for donations. “I'M IN COURT NOW!” Trump said in the text. “They're trying to DESTROY ME - BUT YOU CAN STOP THEM!”Contributing: David Jackson