A former president of an outlaw motorcycle gang, Chuck Zito, joined President Donald Trump in a Manhattan courthouse along with a group of supporters. Zito helped found the New York Nomads chapter of the Hells Angels in the early 1980s, which was linked to the Gambino crime family by the Justice Department. After leaving the biker group, Zito pursued a career in Hollywood and has appeared in various film and television roles, including as Chucky “The Enforcer” Pancamo in the HBO series “Oz.” He has also worked as a stuntman and boxing trainer for actor Mickey Rourke.
President Trump has long expressed admiration for bikers and their macho image, addressing a rally of bikers in Washington in 2016. Bikers for Trump, a group that supports the president, participated in Stop the Steal rallies after the 2020 election. In the courtroom with Trump and Zito were other allies who have faced legal troubles, including Boris Epshteyn, a legal adviser indicted in an Arizona case related to efforts to keep Trump in power after the election, and Bernard Kerik, the former commissioner of the New York Police Department who was imprisoned for tax-related charges and later pardoned by Trump.
Zito’s entourage at the courthouse included a diverse group of individuals with legal and criminal justice experience, including former prison time served by Zito himself on drug conspiracy charges from 1985 to 1991. Despite his past, Zito has reinvented himself in recent years, building a new career as a stuntman and actor in Hollywood. He has maintained connections in both New York and Hollywood, serving as a boxing trainer for Mickey Rourke and attending the wake of mob boss John Gotti in 2002.
The presence of Zito and his entourage at the courthouse reflects President Trump’s continued support for individuals with controversial histories and connections. Trump’s association with figures like Zito, Epshteyn, and Kerik, who have faced legal issues in the past, underscores his willingness to stand by allies despite their legal troubles. The support shown by Trump’s entourage highlights the loyalty and camaraderie among his supporters, even in the face of legal challenges and controversies.
The role of Zito in the entourage at the courthouse serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of relationships in the worlds of politics, entertainment, and law enforcement. Zito’s connections and experiences in the criminal justice system, as well as his journey from biker gang member to Hollywood actor, demonstrate the diverse paths individuals may take in their lives. The entourage’s presence with President Trump showcases the unique mix of personalities and backgrounds that can come together in support of a shared cause or individual.
Overall, the presence of Chuck Zito and his entourage at the courthouse with President Trump reflects a convergence of diverse experiences, backgrounds, and relationships. The group’s support for Trump, despite legal challenges faced by some members, underscores the loyalty and camaraderie among his supporters. Zito’s own journey from a biker gang member to Hollywood actor exemplifies the complexities and transformations that can occur in individuals’ lives. Trump’s association with figures like Zito, Epshteyn, and Kerik illustrates his willingness to stand by allies, even in the face of controversy and legal troubles, highlighting the intricate and interconnected nature of relationships in various spheres of life.
