Former President Donald Trump renewed his attacks on the judge, prosecutors, and potential witness Michael Cohen ahead of his New York hush money trial, set to begin with jury selection on Monday. Trump took to Truth Social to call Judge Juan Merchan “the most highly conflicted Judge in New York State history” and accused District Attorney Alvin Bragg of hiding documents illegally. Despite a gag order issued by Merchan in March, Trump continued to criticize possible witnesses, including Cohen, who is expected to testify for the prosecution.
Merchan denied Trump’s request for an indefinite delay in the trial, citing the former president’s own actions that contributed to the media coverage surrounding the case. Trump’s attacks on Merchan’s daughter and repeated criticism of the legal system have raised concerns about his impartiality and the fairness of the trial. The upcoming trial revolves around the $130,000 payment Cohen made to Stormy Daniels on Trump’s behalf, and Trump’s public statements may affect the jury selection process.
If Trump is convicted in this trial or any other before the election, it could potentially disqualify him from being able to vote for himself in November. The escalating tensions between Trump and the judicial system highlight the high stakes involved in this trial, as well as the broader implications for Trump’s political future. As the trial unfolds, the focus remains on how the judge, prosecutors, and potential witnesses will navigate the intense scrutiny from the former president and the public eye.