Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has recently defended his choice to attend the trial of former President Trump’s hush money case in New York. In his statement, he labeled the case as nothing short of an “atrocity.”
During an interview with NBC News, Johnson revealed that he accompanied the former president in the car as they traveled from Trump Tower to the Manhattan courthouse on Tuesday. This was a significant day, as it marked the fifth week of Trump’s ongoing criminal trial.
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Johnson and a few other Republican allies attended the event to express their support for the presumptive GOP nominee and criticize the court proceedings for interfering with the election. The speaker noted that Trump is frustrated that he is unable to continue campaigning.
During an interview on Wednesday, Johnson expressed his frustration with the trial he has been involved in for the past five weeks. He emphasized that the trial has no merit and that prosecutors had already rejected it eight years ago. Johnson also raised concerns about the lack of a clear definition of the alleged crimes he is accused of. He firmly stated that the entire case is built upon the testimony of a known perjurer, Michael Cohen. Johnson described the situation as an atrocity.
During their discussion, Johnson and Trump addressed the challenge of the Republican Party’s nominee having to spend most of their time in court, attending witness testimonies, instead of actively campaigning during a crucial election year.
As the motorcade arrived, Trump noticed the extensive area surrounding the courthouse that has been closed off by law enforcement. Johnson is of the belief that this move is politically motivated, aimed at keeping Trump’s supporters at a distance from the entrance.
“I believe it is a deliberate part of their strategy, and in my opinion, it is an injustice,” he expressed his disappointment.
Senators JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), along with Representatives Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) and Cory Mills (R-Fla.), joined Johnson at the courthouse to show their support for Trump. Former GOP nominee Vivek Ramaswamy and several others also stood by Trump’s side during the gathering.
As the speaker, he holds the highest position among lawmakers attending Trump’s trial. This demonstrates the unwavering support of House Republicans for the former president, despite the legal challenges and scandalous revelations brought to light in court.
Johnson faced backlash from Democrats for his attendance. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) criticized it as a mere “stunt,” claiming that it undermines the reputation of the House of Representatives. He argued that the American people deserve better than such actions.
