Just two days before his first criminal trial was scheduled to start in Manhattan, former President Donald J. Trump once again portrayed the charges against him as a Democratic conspiracy to prevent him from returning to the White House. He also criticized the gag order issued by the judge in the New York case.
Speaking at a rally in eastern Pennsylvania, Mr. Trump referred to the upcoming trial as the “very first Biden trial,” falsely suggesting that President Biden was behind the legal proceedings. The case, initiated by the Manhattan district attorney’s office, has no connection to President Biden.
Mr. Trump, positioning himself as a victim of political persecution, claimed to be shielding his supporters from a similar fate.
Addressing his supporters at the rally, Mr. Trump expressed pride in standing trial and assured them that he would continue to fight for them. While there won’t be cameras in the courtroom, Mr. Trump is known to hold news conferences after his court appearances, using them as opportunities to engage with his followers.
Mr. Trump’s rally coincided with Iran’s attack on Israel, during which he voiced his support for the country and criticized President Biden for the conflict. He claimed that such events wouldn’t occur if he had won the 2020 election.
During the rally, some attendees chanted “Genocide Joe,” a phrase typically used by progressives critical of President Biden’s stance on Israel. Mr. Trump echoed their sentiment, further fueling his base’s beliefs.
Continuing his false claims of election fraud, Mr. Trump alleged that Democrats cheated him out of victory in 2020. He also condemned the gag order imposed on him in the Manhattan case, restricting his ability to speak out.
The gag order prohibits Mr. Trump from publicly attacking certain individuals involved in the case, a restriction he decried as an infringement on his constitutional rights.
Despite the limitations placed on him, Mr. Trump vowed to continue fighting against what he perceives as unjust treatment in the legal system.
