The State of New York vs. Donald J. Trump trial that began against the former president six weeks ago is expected to wrap up this week. Closing arguments kicked off the Tuesday after Memorial Day. A verdict could even come down this week.
Judge Juan Manuel Merchan sent the jury home for a week and will reconvene after Memorial Day. There were questions about why closing arguments and deliberations did not immediately follow the case resting. Whatever the reason, court goes into full gear again this week.
The Biden administration and all too willing prosecutors are attempting to literally and figuratively handcuff president Trump to a desk in a Manhattan courtroom.
While the nation watches whether or not a former President will be found guilty and sentenced to time behind bars, Democrats have joked about the trial, made light of President Trump being forced to stay in New York City all week, or remarked on his potential prison surroundings.
On the campaign trail, President Biden jokingly offered a midweek date for a presidential debate.
“I hear you’re free on Wednesdays,” said Biden, knowing Trump’s New York trial was off on Wednesdays.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams boasted that the Big Apple prison where Trump may go will be ready to accommodate a former commander in chief.
“Prepared for whatever comes on Rikers Island,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
After Trump's rally in the Bronx, which drew nearly 25,000 people when only 3,500 were expected, Democrats were alarmed by the support for president Trump.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul referred to Trump supporters as "clowns" in her own "basket of deplorables" moment, reminiscent of Hillary Clinton also denigrating Trump supporters.
Hochul said in a pre-Bronx rally interview with CNN, “I’ll tell you what won’t make a difference at all, Jake, and that’s for Donald Trump to be a ringleader and invite all his clowns to a place like the Bronx.”
Hochul, a lawyer herself, showed no concern about the threat to democracy posed by using the courts to hinder a presidential candidate right in her own backyard, even as media outlets and attorneys expressed concern about the merits of the case.
Meanwhile, those who respect the Constitution are calling this trial out for what it is. And for many, the Trump trial has eroded their faith in the justice system.
“This is all orchestrated. This comes from President Biden. This all comes from the White House. All these indictments come from the White House to put pressure on President Trump,” said Alabama United States Senator Tommy Tuberville on Fox Business.