During the beginning of his first criminal trial, Donald J. Trump expressed disappointment at the lack of protest outside the courthouse in Lower Manhattan. Despite his efforts to incite more noise and chaos, the scene was relatively calm and peaceful, with only a small group of Trump supporters present. Trump’s frustration was evident as he took to social media to call for more protests and rally his supporters to save the country.
As the day progressed, Trump continued to express his displeasure with the lack of protest activity, blaming it on various factors including the district attorney and President Biden. Despite his claims of discrimination against his supporters, the courthouse remained open to the public and the surrounding area was not completely shut down as he had implied.
Throughout the week, Trump had hoped for a circus-like atmosphere surrounding his trial, with daily media coverage of his criticisms against the prosecutors and judge. However, the protests organized by his allies, including the New York Young Republican Club, failed to attract a significant crowd. The few supporters present were outnumbered by Trump detractors, leading to confrontations and taunts directed at Trump allies like Andrew Giuliani.
Despite efforts from some dedicated supporters like Laura Loomer, who protested outside the courthouse daily, the overall turnout of Trump supporters remained low. Even as Trump continued to express his desire for more protests and criticized the lack of support, the demonstrations remained sparse and inconsistent. The lack of enthusiasm among his supporters was noted by both Trump allies and anti-Trump protesters, leading to tense exchanges and monitored interactions.
As the week progressed, the park designated for protests saw only a handful of people showing support for Trump, with a mix of tourists, locals, and supporters of Biden also present. Despite the lackluster turnout, some die-hard supporters like Alice Lu expressed sadness at the lack of solidarity among Trump supporters.
The small park where protests were held was briefly closed after a protester set himself on fire, but it was reopened for demonstrations. Laura Loomer, one of Trump’s most vocal supporters, emphasized the importance of organizing and showing support for Trump, criticizing those who made excuses and failed to show up. Despite the challenges, she remained dedicated to promoting Trump’s cause and encouraging others to do the same.
As the week came to a close, Trump continued to express his frustration on social media, calling for the right to protest in front of the courthouse like everyone else. Despite the ongoing efforts to drum up support and create a spectacle, the protests surrounding Trump’s trial remained subdued and lacking in numbers.
