In a bizarre and unprecedented move, Donald Trump’s presidential campaign turned the New York City courthouse, where he is facing 34 felony charges, into a fundraising set.
On Tuesday, Trump and five of his far-right allies, including Vivek Ramaswamy, Lara Trump, Eric Trump, and two Republican representatives, gathered in a courtroom to film a low-budget ad.
This unorthodox stunt allowed Trump to save on filming costs while also portraying himself as a victim of political persecution.
The group, dressed in matching blue suits and red ties, attempted to convey a sense of solidarity and urgency, with Florida Representative Byron Donalds declaring, “We need you to stand with him too… These Democrats are nuts, and they must be defeated.”
The ad featured Lara Trump pleading for donations, stating, “Anything you can give would make a world of difference; we are here fighting the good fight.” Trump himself made a brief appearance at the end of the video, shuffling behind the entourage.
This stunt is part of a larger trend of conservative leaders flocking to support Trump during his criminal trials. Recently, big figures like Doug Burgum, Mike Johnson, Tim Scott, J.D. Vance, and Tommy Tuberville have all visited Trump, with many refusing to commit to accepting the November election results.
This display of loyalty raises concerns about the erosion of the rule of law and the prioritization of power over justice in a potential Trump administration.