In an upcoming book by ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl, titled “Tired of Winning: Donald Trump and the End of the Grand Old Party,” a scathing portrayal of the former president’s impact on the GOP and his maneuvering ahead of the 2024 presidential election is unveiled. In an essay published by The Atlantic, adapted from excerpts of the forthcoming book, Karl delves into Trump’s contentious legal battles and his intense reaction to the trial date set for his hush-money cover-up case in New York City.
According to Karl’s account, during a hearing with Judge Merchan, Trump, who appeared via video from a room in Mar-a-Lago, received news of the trial date—March 25, 2024—with visible dismay. Trump’s vehement reaction was witnessed by those present, as he gestured animatedly and appeared to direct his ire at his lawyer, Todd Blanche, seated beside him at Mar-a-Lago.
The former president’s apparent outburst stemmed from his realization that the scheduled trial would coincide with a critical phase in the upcoming presidential primaries. Karl’s sources relayed Trump’s seething frustration, where he reportedly berated Blanche, laying blame on him for any potential electoral setback. The tirade continued for nearly half an hour after the court appearance concluded, revealing Trump’s mounting pressure and frustration regarding the pivotal legal battle.
According to Karl’s detailed narrative, Trump’s verbal onslaught targeted Blanche, a highly esteemed member of his legal team, with vitriolic accusations, indicating the magnitude of the stress Trump felt at the prospect of the trial affecting his political ambitions. The account serves as a compelling insight into the tumultuous and high-stakes environment surrounding Trump and his legal entanglements, providing a glimpse into the inner workings of his tumultuous presidency and subsequent fallout.
The trial date for the hush‐money case was later set during a hearing with Judge Merchan where Trump appeared via video from a room in Mar‐a‐Lago. For most of the appearance, Trump silently listened, his microphone on mute. But when the judge announced the court date—March 25, 2024—he reacted angrily, waving his hands and shaking his head,” Karl reported, adding:
No one in the courtroom could hear him, but he appeared to be yelling at the lawyer sitting next to him in Mar-a-Lago, Todd Blanche. According to a source there with Trump, the former president erupted at Blanche because the March 2024 trial would be during a crucial point in the presidential campaign.
“That’s in the middle of the primaries!” Trump yelled. “If I lose the presidency, you are going to be the reason!”
Karl added that his source told him Trump’s rage at his lawyer “continued for nearly 30 minutes after the court appearance ended and the camera was turned off—a withering attack on perhaps the most highly regarded lawyer on Trump’s troubled legal team.”
“You little F*****! You are going to cost me the presidency!” Trump yelled at Blanch, reported Karl.
