Republican Representative Matt Gaetz delivered a fiery speech outside the Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday, addressing the ongoing trial of former President Donald Trump. In his speech, Gaetz criticized the presiding judge, Juan Merchan, for alleged political conflicts of interest within his family. Merchan’s daughter, Loren Merchan, is the president of Authentic Campaigns, a progressive political consulting firm that has received millions of dollars from Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Gaetz argued that this clear conflict of interest calls into question the integrity of the trial and the charges against Trump.
Gaetz went on to say that the charges against Trump are a “made-up crime” and that no other American would be charged with such a crime. He also pointed out that the lead prosecutor in Trump’s first impeachment, Democratic Representative Adam Schiff, has used the indictment as a way to solicit donations. This, according to Gaetz, is further evidence of a biased and politically motivated trial against the former president.
House @freedomcaucus Members News Conference on Trump Hush Money Trial – LIVE online here: https://t.co/poJVAGALqU
— CSPAN (@cspan) May 16, 2024
The Florida congressman also called into question the credibility of Michael Cohen, a former confidante of Trump who has turned against him and is now testifying as a witness in the trial. Gaetz argued that Cohen is a known liar and has no credibility in any branch of government. He also criticized Judge Merchan for imposing gag orders that prevent Trump from publicly criticizing the proceedings and the fairness of the trial.
In previous hearings, Judge Merchan has shown no tolerance for Trump’s personal demeanor and language. He demanded that Trump defense attorney Todd Blanche correct his client after the former president allegedly cursed during proceedings. This, according to Gaetz, is a clear example of the judge’s bias and unfairness towards Trump.
I’ll always stand with President Trump! pic.twitter.com/jp3QZBA8Ti
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) May 16, 2024
The charges against Trump were brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who has ties to George Soros. Gaetz pointed out that this is yet another indication of the political motivations behind the trial and the unfair treatment of Trump.
Gaetz’s speech outside the Manhattan Criminal Court was a strong defense of former President Trump and a scathing attack on the impartiality and integrity of the judge presiding over his trial. He argues that the judge’s conflicts of interest, in addition to his gag orders and biased treatment of Trump, prove that this trial is nothing more than a politically motivated attack on the former president.