Republican politicians have gathered in New York City recently to support former President Trump as he attends his hush money trial. hush money trial.
Trump’s group on Monday included several members of Congress: Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), who represents Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) joined Trump last week for a court appearance, as a way to gain favor with the ex-president and his supporters.
“It's good to see some elected Republicans standing by him for once. It's nice that some Republicans could take time away from their inactive jobs to support Trump in court today,” Laura Loomer, a strong Trump supporter, posted on X.
Trump is under a gag order that prevents him from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and the judge’s family. However, members of Congress are not bound by such restrictions, and some have strongly defended the former president by casting doubt on the credibility of witnesses and the judge.
Scott, the senator from Florida, has recently criticized the daughter of Judge Juan Merchan, alleging that she was a Democratic operative and that her work influenced the judge’s impartiality. Trump had previously made similar comments, but he was rebuked when Merchan extended the gag order.
Vance’s appearance on Monday was particularly noteworthy, as there is talk about him being a possible running mate for Trump in November’s election. He is the first major candidate for vice president to join Trump in court.
The senator from Ohio, appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, echoed many of Trump’s assertions that the case against him is politically motivated and that he is innocent.
“I think that when you look at all of these attacks on Donald Trump, you have to be honest with yourself and say, this is not about law and this is not about justice,” Vance said.
