On a recent broadcast, CNN correspondent Alayna Treene shared intriguing insights regarding the orchestrated approach behind the mugshot pose of former President Donald Trump after his arrest on election-related charges. This unprecedented occurrence unfolded in Fulton County, Georgia, marking a historic moment as Trump became the first U.S. president to have his mugshot taken in the context of a legal case. The charges were part of a sweeping Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) case led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.
The arrest itself was surrounded by an intense media frenzy, with each detail being scrutinized in real-time. The unveiling of Trump’s mugshot was highly anticipated and swiftly adorned various campaign merchandise. The significance of this event was the focal point of CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins, where Alayna Treene provided fresh insights.
According to Treene’s reporting, Trump’s team was meticulously involved in determining the image they wanted to convey through his mugshot even before his arrival at the Fulton County Jail. It was revealed that Trump himself aimed for a “defiant” appearance, a choice he made intentionally, opting not to smile. The attention to detail surrounding the mugshot demonstrated the significance Trump and his team attached to this moment. The mugshot was shared widely, including on his reactivated Twitter account, now rebranded as “X,” suggesting a strategic plan to leverage the image for fundraising purposes, a tactic they have employed in the past.
Treene’s on-the-ground observations indicated that the former President’s team was satisfied with the outcome of the mugshot and its public reception, although it’s acknowledged that such statements might not represent the complete behind-the-scenes story. Trump’s apparent satisfaction was mirrored by his reentry into social media platforms to share the image, underscoring the intention to capitalize on the moment for media attention and potential monetary gains.
The broadcast also shed light on Trump’s involvement during his plane journey to and from Atlanta. Trump and his team reportedly engaged in actively consuming cable news coverage, analyzing the narratives surrounding his arrest and surrender. This practice of closely monitoring media coverage during trips is a recurring strategy for Trump’s team. This scrutiny aligns with Trump’s desire to gauge public perception and strategize accordingly.
In the aftermath of the arrest, Trump’s campaign sent out a fundraising email that positioned the mugshot as a symbol of America’s defiance against tyranny, further indicating their intention to shape and capitalize on the narrative surrounding the event.
TAPPER: Everyone, hang on. I want to bring in CNN’s Alayna Treene, who traveled, with Donald Trump’s motorcade, to the Fulton County Jail, and has some new reporting, on his mug shot.
Alayna, what can you tell us?
ALAYNA TREENE, CNN REPORTER: Right, well, Jake, the former President’s team had actually discussed, what they wanted that mug shot, to look like, prior to him going to the Fulton County Jail, and taking it.
And the former President himself ultimately decided that he wanted to look, quote, “Defiant.” That is something that his advisers have told me. And he chose purposefully not to smile.
Now, of course, you can tell that the former President and his team are taking a lot of attention to this mug shot. They’re sharing it. The former President just rejoined Twitter, also recently rebranded as X, to share that mug shot. And, I think, you can expect them, to fundraise off of it, as they have fundraised off of fake mug shot, in the past.
And so, from my conversations, with them, also on the ground, here, in Atlanta, they were happy with how that looked. Of course, that is what they are telling us. There’s always a different picture, behind-the- scenes.
I also know that Donald Trump, despite wanting to appear defiant, today, has been frustrated, about this process, was frustrated that he had to come, to Georgia, and go through another process, like this, yet again.
Now, some other reporting I have, Jake, is that Donald Trump, on the plane ride, to Atlanta, was watching a lot of those news shows, a lot of news coverage
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TREENE: No, what I was trying to say? Yes. So, I’m still by the airport, where Donald Trump had just recently taken off, and is heading back to Bedminster.
But on that plane, on the way here, his team, as well as Donald Trump, was watching cable news coverage, of his surrender, as well as the debates, dissecting it, as they often do, on these trips. And he’s continuing to watch it on his way back.
I know we have another plane coming, so apologies for the audio.
But they are very tuned in, to what the media is saying, about his surrender, today.
And again, with that mug shot, his team seems happy with it. I’m still getting texts, from his aides, who are currently on the plane with him.
There’s a reason that he is sharing this, repeatedly, on social media, and rejoined Twitter, in order to share that photo. And so, I think you’re going to continue to see them try to monetize, off of this, and get as much media attention, as they can, from that mug shot, Jake.
