Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, described the “hush-money” case against him as “insane” and “wrong” as the trial began on Monday.
In an interview with NewsNation on April 15, the co-chair of the Republican National Committee criticized the Manhattan District Attorney for targeting the 45th president. “It’s wrong. This shouldn’t happen in the United States,” Ms. Trump said. “It’s clear how partisan this is—Alvin Bragg himself didn’t take this case up until Donald Trump announced his presidential candidacy.”
President Trump made history on April 15 as the first former U.S. president to stand trial in a New York City courtroom, accused of falsifying business records during the 2016 campaign. He faces 34 counts related to alleged “hush-money” payments to Stormy Daniels. The former president pleaded not guilty and denies any affair with Daniels.
During the interview, Lara Trump mentioned that former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance did not pursue the case because he deemed it “ridiculous.” She praised her father-in-law’s strength in facing the legal challenges, which she believes boost his poll numbers and increase support.
Lara Trump emphasized how the trial could impact President Trump’s ongoing presidential campaign, forcing him to balance time between the courtroom and campaign events for about eight weeks. The former president has argued that the trial and other cases against him amount to election interference.
Justice Juan Merchan, presiding over the case, warned Trump that he could face arrest if he missed court dates. Justice Merchan also denied Trump’s request to miss a court appearance to attend a separate Supreme Court hearing.
President Trump’s lawyers have argued that Justice Merchan should recuse himself due to potential bias, citing his daughter’s involvement with a firm that represents Democrats. Justice Merchan refused to step down and stated he would await a ruling from an appeals court.
