Former President Donald J. Trump is currently facing a criminal trial in Manhattan for allegedly falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment to a former porn star. Throughout the trial, Trump has been sending dramatic and exaggerated emails to his followers, misrepresenting his actions and the proceedings inside the courtroom. Despite claiming to be gagged and silenced, Trump has continued to share his views on the case, often painting it as a politically motivated “witch hunt” orchestrated by President Biden, without evidence to support these claims.
The Trump campaign’s fundraising emails frequently depict Trump as a victim of persecution by Joe Biden and corrupt Democrats, urging supporters to donate to help him fight against the charges. These emails often contain kernels of truth, such as Trump being under a gag order, but they omit details or nuances in order to support Trump’s broad assertions. The campaign’s narrative portrays Trump as being constantly aggrieved by the case against him, the conduct of the prosecutors, and the decisions of the judge, Justice Juan M. Merchan.
Despite the dramatic messages in his emails, reporters covering the trial have noted that Trump’s behavior inside the courtroom is relatively restrained. While he may appear irked by testimony at times, Trump has generally kept quiet and still during proceedings. The frequent claims in the fundraising emails that he has “stormed” in or out of the courtroom are not supported by observers in the courtroom, who describe his movements as more subdued and less dramatic.
The Trump campaign has capitalized on the constant stream of headlines about Trump’s legal troubles to engage his conservative base and boost political support. After each indictment or legal development, the campaign reported a surge in donations and support from Republicans. The campaign has been successful in fundraising efforts during the Manhattan trial, raising approximately $1 million each day. However, the emails sent to supporters focus more on the gag order in the case rather than the facts of the trial or the daily details of the courtroom proceedings.
Justice Merchan recently found Trump in contempt of court and fined him $9,000 for violating the gag order. Trump was warned that he could face jail time if he continued to violate the order. Despite the potential consequences, the Trump campaign has continued to send fundraising solicitations that play up the drama and portray Trump as a victim facing possible imprisonment. While the drama in the funding emails may not accurately reflect Trump’s behavior in the courtroom, they have been effective in mobilizing support and raising funds for his legal defense.
