Donald J. Trump enters the courtroom promptly at 9:30 a.m. each day of his trial, scanning the benches for familiar faces.
Among the onlookers, he locks eyes with George Conway, a vocal critic covering the case for The Atlantic magazine. On the other hand, he exchanges a friendly smile with Greg Kelly, a Newsmax host known for his pro-Trump stance, present in court on Thursday.
Accompanied by notable figures like Senator Rick Scott of Florida, Ken Paxton, the attorney general of Texas, and David McIntosh, the head of the Club for Growth, Trump’s entourage includes a mix of supporters and allies.
During a particularly challenging moment of the trial involving personal matters, Trump finds solace in the presence of his son Eric, who stands by his side in court.
Concerns have arisen among Trump’s inner circle regarding the toll the long court sessions are taking on his mental well-being. Forced to endure harsh criticism from witnesses like Stormy Daniels, Trump’s advisers have made sure that he is surrounded by supportive faces to both bolster his spirits and convey solidarity to the jurors.
More and more allies have answered this call, with Trump occasionally glancing back from the defense table during breaks to seek reassurance.
In recent days, Trump’s gaze has often landed on his legal adviser, Boris Epshteyn, who faces legal troubles of his own. Seated beside him is Natalie Harp, a key aide known for her swift delivery of positive news articles and social media endorsements.
While Eric Trump remains a constant presence, other family members, including Melania Trump and Trump’s adult children, have chosen to stay away from the courtroom.
Trump’s campaign advisers and aides have been rotating in and out of the courtroom, with figures like Jason Miller and Alina Habba making regular appearances. Despite not directly involved in the case, they show their solidarity with Trump.
Additionally, Trump’s valet, Walt Nauta, has been present at the courthouse but has kept a low profile. A looming question remains about who will stand by Trump once Michael D. Cohen, his former lawyer and fixer, takes the stand.
