In recent days, a trial involving Donald Trump’s alleged “hush money” payments has drawn prominent Republicans to Manhattan Criminal Court, where they hope to gain favor with the former president. Trump has been seen with former 2024 primary rivals, as well as House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP congressmen. These figures are positioning themselves for future roles in Trump’s administration should he get elected as the 47th president this fall. The trial has become a show of loyalty to Trump, as well as an opportunity for his supporters to be seen publicly supporting him.
While Trump has not yet announced his running mate, several attendees at the trial, such as Vivek Ramaswamy, Doug Burgum, and J.D. Vance, are considered potential contenders for White House positions if they do not land the vice-presidential role. The trial has become a way for Republicans to display their loyalty to Trump and his base, as well as show their support in the face of legal challenges against the former president. The event has been described as more than just a “VP tryout”, with attendees wanting to be in good standing with Trump and his supporters.
Supporters of Trump who have attended the trial have also served as a way for the former president to speak out indirectly about the case, as he is under a gag order imposed by the judge. The public statements made by his allies at the trial allow Trump to address the case without violating the court’s restrictions. This strategic move by Trump’s allies is seen as an attempt to generate new publicity surrounding the case and circumvent the constraints of the gag order, while also showing their unwavering support for the former president.
Judge Juan Merchan has imposed a strict gag order on Trump, barring him from speaking about likely witnesses, jurors, attorneys, and the case itself. Trump has already violated this order multiple times and could face jail time if he continues to disregard the court’s ruling. Meanwhile, Republican attendees like Vance, Tuberville, and Malliotakis have criticized Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, who testified against him in court. They have attacked Cohen’s credibility as a “convicted felon” and questioned the accuracy of his testimony.
Despite speculation about political maneuvering and palace intrigue among attendees at the trial, some maintain that the show of support is genuinely motivated by friendship and loyalty. For example, J.D. Vance’s presence at the trial to support Trump is seen as a personal decision to stand by his friend, rather than a political calculation. Trump is taking advantage of the trial to host a large fundraiser in Manhattan, leveraging his support network in New York to raise funds for his campaign. The trial continues each weekday, with Trump receiving permission to attend his son’s graduation in Florida and the former president remaining a central figure in the proceedings.
