Former President Donald Trump has a history of exaggerating the size of his crowds, including his inauguration and campaign rallies. Now, as he faces his first criminal trial in Manhattan, he is making false claims about the number of supporters attempting to show up and the security measures in place around the courthouse. Trump denied a story in The New York Times that said he was unhappy with the crowd he saw at the courthouse and claimed that thousands of people were turned away by police and security barriers. However, these claims are all false.
Despite Trump’s assertions, police have not turned away thousands of people from the courthouse during his trial. In reality, only a handful of Trump supporters have shown up to demonstrate near the building. While there are security measures in place, including street closures and barricades, the designated protest zone is directly across the street from the courthouse. People are still allowed to drive up to the front of the courthouse and walk inside, with some able to access the trial courtroom or overflow room to watch proceedings live.
CNN journalists have reported seeing only a small number of pro-Trump demonstrators in the designated protest zone at Collect Pond Park across from the courthouse. There have been well under 100 visible Trump supporters present at the outset of the trial, with only a few showing up on subsequent days. While Trump may have suggested that security measures were keeping supporters away, the reality is that they are free to enter both the protest zone and the courthouse itself, as long as they adhere to decorum rules.
Contrary to Trump’s claims, security measures around the Manhattan courthouse are not as restrictive as he suggests. Police have limited public access to some streets and sidewalks near the courthouse during court hours and for brief periods when Trump’s motorcade is arriving or departing. However, the area is not completely closed off, and the public’s cars can be seen traveling in front of the courthouse during court hours. Conservative attorney George Conway noted on social media that he was able to take an Uber to the front entrance of the courthouse without issue.
Overall, Trump’s claims about the size of his supporters at his trial and the security measures in place around the Manhattan courthouse are false. There have been only a small number of pro-Trump demonstrators present, and security measures are not as restrictive as he suggests. Despite his attempts to create a narrative of being a victim of security measures and restrictions, the reality is that supporters are able to access the designated protest zone and the courthouse itself. The presence of Trump supporters in the area is minimal, and security measures are in place to ensure the safety and orderly conduct of proceedings.
