“Trump Criticizes ‘Highly Conflicted’ Judge on Truth Social Amid Praise for Defense’s Performance in Hush-Money Trial”

Former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to criticize the judge and prosecution in his ongoing hush-money trial in New York City. In a surprising twist, Trump cited praise from legal analysts on CNN and MSNBC—networks he frequently disparages—for his defense attorney’s effective cross-examination of key witness Michael Cohen.

Trump’s Friday night post claimed that legal analysts from both networks believe Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case is unwinnable and should be dropped. According to Trump, these analysts assert the case “should never have been brought in the first place.”

The focus of the trial centers on a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to silence claims of an affair with Trump just before the 2016 presidential election. This week’s proceedings saw Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, subjected to a rigorous cross-examination by defense attorney Todd Blanche. Blanche questioned the credibility of Cohen’s previous testimonies and highlighted inconsistencies regarding a brief phone call between Cohen and Trump’s then-bodyguard, Keith Schiller.

Cohen had testified that he informed Schiller of the resolved payment to Daniels during an October 24, 2016, call. However, Blanche revealed that the call, lasting only one minute and 36 seconds, also involved Cohen complaining about prank calls he had been receiving. This revelation cast doubt on Cohen’s credibility and the prosecution’s narrative.

The defense’s strategic questioning garnered positive reviews from several legal analysts, including those typically critical of Trump. Notably, both CNN and MSNBC commentators acknowledged the defense’s success in undermining Cohen’s reliability, marking a significant moment in the trial.

Trump’s post did not shy away from attacking both networks, referring to MSNBC as “MSDNC” due to its perceived Democratic bias and labeling CNN as “Fake News CNN.” He further criticized New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, whom he has targeted in previous posts despite a gag order that allows criticism of Merchan and Bragg but restricts comments on other aspects of the case.

On March 27, Merchan issued the gag order, which Trump promptly challenged through posts criticizing the judge, his daughter, and the district attorney. Bragg’s office responded, seeking clarification on whether the order extended to the judge’s family members, while Trump’s defense countered, arguing against any expansion of the restrictions.

As the trial progresses, Trump’s public commentary continues to draw attention and controversy, highlighting the tension between his legal battles and his ongoing influence in the public sphere.

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