Outside a courthouse in New York, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) expressed his firm support for former President Donald Trump amidst his current legal issues, condemning the way Trump has been treated during his trial. The proceedings stem from accusations that Trump manipulated business records to conceal payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. Trump has refuted the allegations, pleading not guilty to 34 counts.
Tuberville expressed his frustration with the courtroom’s atmosphere and called for more respect for Trump, emphasizing his status as a former president. “First of all, I’m disappointed in the courtroom. I’m hearing, ‘Mr. Trump, Mr. Trump.’ He is former President Trump. Give him some respect!”
“This is New York City, the icon of our country, and we got a courtroom that’s the most depressing thing I’ve ever been in. Mental anguish is trying to be pushed on the Republican candidate for the president of the United States this year. That’s all this is. He’s been here a month,” he added. Tuberville criticized DA Bragg’s prosecutorial approach, likening his demeanor to someone treating the trial as their personal highlight, much like the Super Bowl. “And I guess it is, to be noticed. But that’s what’s happening in this country,” he said.
Despite the political and legal storm, Tuberville stood firm in his personal and political support for Trump. “I’m glad to stand by President Trump. I’m a friend of his. I’m here more as a friend than a back of him as a candidate, as president,” he said.
WATCH:
As the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s team approaches the conclusion of their witness lineup, attention now turns to Trump’s defense. The trial has attracted considerable media attention, particularly with the inclusion of Trump’s ex-lawyer, Michael Cohen, as a crucial witness. His testimony began on Monday.
On the 16th day of the trial, Cohen disclosed that he had covertly recorded Trump discussing payments linked to the 2016 election. Recorded on September 6, 2016, the conversation centered on reimbursing David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer. As per Cohen’s testimony on Monday, the payment in question was directed toward former Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Pecker had arranged a $150,000 payment to McDougal to secure her story regarding an alleged affair with Trump and to prevent its potential impact on the election. Cohen stated that Pecker emphasized Trump’s obligation to reimburse him, prompting Cohen to clandestinely record the conversation to demonstrate Trump’s commitment to settling the debt. Cohen also indicated that recording the discussion served two objectives: maintaining Pecker’s allegiance to Trump and confirming Trump’s commitment to repayment. In the recording, Trump can be heard questioning the amount: “So what’s the bill for this? One-fifty?”
Tuberville also discussed his skepticism about the credibility of Cohen during his outside the courthouse. He criticized Cohen. “This guy worked for President Trump. I mean, how can you be convinced by somebody that is a serial liar? I mean, there should be no reason that anybody should listen to this guy,” he said.