Day 2: Donald Trump Says ‘Trial Is a Disgrace … Just Look at the Polls’

Former President Donald Trump criticized his ongoing criminal trial, citing recent polling data that suggests many Americans view the case as politically motivated. The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll revealed that only around one-third of U.S. adults believe Trump committed any wrongdoing in relation to the charges.

The trial, which marks the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president, sees Democrat Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accusing Trump of 34 felonies, alleging he falsified documents to conceal a sex scandal. If convicted, Trump could potentially face jail time.

Trump voiced his discontent with the proceedings, alleging bias on the part of New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, whom he accused of hindering his ability to campaign, participate in Supreme Court appearances, and attend his son’s graduation.

“We have a judge who is biased against me,” Trump asserted to reporters on Tuesday. “This trial should have never taken place or should have been dismissed long ago.”

Trump reiterated his claim that the legal proceedings against him are driven by political motives, suggesting that he is being targeted for political reasons.

“This was a trial that should have never been brought. It’s a trial that is being looked upon, looked at all over the world that they’re looking at it and analyzing it. Every legal pundit, every legal scholar, said this trial is a disgrace,” Trump said. “If you look at Jonathan Turley, Andy McCarthy — all great legal scholars. There is not one that we’ve been able to find that said we should be in trial.”

Trump also chimed in on legal arguments against the case.

“I was paying a lawyer and legal expense account, marking it down as a legal expense. That’s exactly what it was, and you get indicted over that?” Trump questioned. “Check it out. Legal expenses, legal expense, that’s what you’re supposed to call it.”

Trump targeted Biden and tied his own legal issues to the White House.

“This is all coming from the White House because the guy can’t put two sentences together,” Trump said. “He can’t campaign — using this to try and win the election. And it’s not working that way. It’s working the opposite way … Just look at the polls. This is a sham trial.”