Christian Smith
- Trump’s hush money trial began in April
- The former president is accused of falsifying business records
- Supporters traveled to New York to attend Trump’s trial
(NewsNation) – The first criminal trial involving a former U.S. president began April 15 in New York. The case of silence against Donald Trump began with the absence of the former president’s close friends and relatives in the first days of the trial. But a wave of supporters eventually emerged in Trump’s favor, with some sitting in the courtroom and others speaking to reporters after the proceedings.
The former president faces 34 criminal charges in the case in which he is accused of falsifying business records related to a payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels, who claimed to have had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006.
Here are some of those who did and did not attend Trump’s hush money trial.
Which Trump relatives attended the hush money trial?
Eric Trump was the first Trump child to be seen in court. He has been a constant presence in the seats behind the defense table. He also criticized coverage of the trial on social media.
Lara Trump, Eric’s wife and new chairwoman of the Republican National Committee attended the trial on May 14.
Donald Trump Jr. the only appearance so far was on May 21st. He spoke about the trial in front of the court, calling the proceedings “insane” and “absurd.”
Trump’s wife Melania and daughter Ivanka did not attend the trial. Nor Ivanka’s husband, Jared Kushner. Legal experts say defendants typically have family members present at their trial.
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U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, speaks to members of the media outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse in New York, U.S., on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Former U.S. President , Donald Trump, faces 34 criminal charges of falsifying business records as part of an alleged scheme to silence allegations of extramarital sexual encounters during his 2016 presidential campaign. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images -
Senator JD Vance, a Republican from Ohio, in the center, while former US President Donald Trump, left, and Todd Blanche, lawyer for former US President Donald Trump, right, speak to members of the media at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York, USA. on Monday, May 13, 2024. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records as part of an alleged scheme to silence allegations of extramarital sexual encounters during his 2016 presidential campaign. Photographer: Mark Peterson/New York Magazine/ Bloomberg via Getty Images -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 21: Representative Maria Salazar (R-FL) (C) speaks during a press conference during a break in the secret trial of former US President Donald Trump outside Manhattan Criminal Court on May 21 May 2024 in New York City. The defense rested its case in former President Trump’s secret trial, in which he refused to testify. Judge Juan Merchan says he expects summaries and closing arguments in the criminal trial next week. Former US President Trump faces 34 criminal charges of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 14: US House Speaker Mike Johnson (C) and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy (3-L) listen to former US President Donald Trump (C) talking to reporters upon arriving for his trial for allegedly covering up making silent cash payments tied to an extramarital affair with Stormy Daniels, at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 14, 2024 in New York City. Former US President Donald Trump faces 34 criminal charges of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Justin Lane – Piscina/Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 21: Former US President Donald Trump sits in court as he arrives for his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 21, 2024, in the city from New York. Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records last year, in what prosecutors say was an attempt to hide a potential sex scandal, both before and after the 2016 presidential election. Trump is the first former U.S. president to be tried on criminal charges. (Photo by Curtis Means – Pool/Getty Images) -
Pam Bondi, former attorney general of Florida, from left, Donald Trump Jr., executive vice president of development and acquisitions at the Trump Organization Inc., Dan Patrick, lieutenant governor of Texas, and Sebastian Gorka, former Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States, in Manhattan Criminal Court in New York, USA, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Former US President Donald Trump faces 34 criminal charges of falsifying business records as part of an alleged scheme to silence allegations of extramarital sexual encounters during his 2016 presidential campaign. Photographer: Dave Sanders/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Senators who supported Trump in the trial
Florida Senator Rick Scott was the first major Republican to arrive with Trump at the courthouse on May 9, when Stormy Daniels was on the stand. Scott said he attended at the invitation of Trump senior adviser Susie Wiles.
Alabama Tommy Tuberville and Ohio JD Vance appeared on the first day of Michael Cohen’s testimony on May 13. Vance has sparked speculation in recent months that he could be chosen as Trump’s running mate.
House Members at Trump Trial
The President of the Chamber, Mike Johnson from Louisiana, appeared in court on May 14 and criticized the gag order imposed on the former president. Outside court, Johnson condemned “this ridiculous process that is not about justice” and added: “It’s all about politics.” He reportedly never appeared in court, but his trip to New York sparked negative reactions from some lawmakers.
Matt Gaetz of Florida and Lauren Boebert of Colorado were in court on the third day of Cohen’s testimony. Boebert said, “We’re here to support you.”
More than 20 other House members also attended. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who joined Trump in New York when he was first charged in the case, criticized her colleagues for going to Manhattan when she argued they should be back in Washington.
Other politicians at Trump trial
At least two people considered possible running mates showed up: the governor of North Dakota. Doug Burgum and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird received criticism from Democrats in his state for traveling to New York for the trial. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi also attended.
Trump aides in silent trial
Attorney Alan Dershowitzformer Trump intelligence official Kash Patel, counselors Boris Epshteyn It is Already are Miller, more André Juliani, the son of Trump’s former lawyer, New York mayor and federal prosecutor Rudy Giuliani, attended the court sessions.
Others at the Trump trial
fox presenter Jeanine Pirro appeared at Trump’s trial. Trump forgave Pirro’s ex-husband in his last hour as commander in chief.
Radio talk show host and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Joe Piscopo appeared with Trump’s court entourage, calling him a “sign of friendship”.
Newsmax presenter Greg Kellyformer Trump advisor Sebastian Gorka and former leader of the Hell’s Angels Chuck Zito also attended.
