US Politics Witness a Remarkable Moment as Speaker Mike Johnson Appears at Trump’s Felony Trial
TL/DR –
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson accused the U.S. judicial system of being corrupt during a court appearance with former President Donald Trump. Johnson, who is second in line for the presidency, claimed the case against Trump was a “sham”, alleging without proof that the special counsel had doctored evidence. The appearance signals a shift in the Republican party against the federal and state legal system, demonstrating further loyalty towards Trump, who is accused of arranging secret payments to a porn actress to hide negative stories during his 2016 campaign.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, the top-ranking Republican, assailed the U.S. judicial system on Tuesday as he became the latest to attend court with Donald Trump. This signaled a shift in his party’s stance against the federal and state legal systems, showcasing further loyalty towards Trump who is accused of arranging secret payments to a porn actress during his 2016 campaign.
Accusing the special counsel of tampering evidence without proof, Johnson labeled the court system ‘corrupt’ and the case against Trump a ‘sham’. He attacked the credibility of Michael Cohen, Trump’s ex-lawyer and fixer who began testifying on the second day of the hush money trial.
The former president’s campaign has lined up allies in recent days to appear at the New York courthouse, aiming to criticize witnesses whom Trump, under a gag order, cannot criticize.
In attendance with Trump were U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, Gov. Doug Burgum, and former GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, all considered possible vice presidential candidates. Senators JD Vance and Tommy Tuberville attended court on Monday.
Johnson criticized figures Trump is prohibited from insulting, including Cohen, prosecutor Matthew Colangelo, and Judge Juan M. Merchan’s daughter. Using his position as Speaker, he has been attacking the U.S. judicial system, accusing it of bias against Trump.
This move comes amid increased dissatisfaction with the U.S. justice system among Republicans, who have been frequently attending the courthouse in support of the indicted ex-president. Johnson, needing Trump’s support to retain his role, is far from alone in this.
Despite a recent failed effort to oust him by fellow Trump supporter, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Johnson continues to strengthen ties with Trump. He recently joined the ex-president to propose new House legislation to require citizenship proof for voting, reiterating Trump’s unfounded claims that Democrats are aiding illegal immigrants to swing elections.
Findings suggest no significant noncitizen voting in federal elections.
Report by Kinnard, Mascaro and Colvin.
Reach Meg Kinnard at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP
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