Fox News host Jesse Watters has drawn criticism for comparing former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial to the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.
On Monday, the second week of Trump’s hush-money trial began in Manhattan, with opening arguments expected after a jury was seated last week. Watters, a vocal supporter of Trump, lamented that the former president was being treated worse than prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.
“The guy needs exercise. He’s usually golfing, and so you’re going to put a man who’s almost 80, sitting in a room like this, on his butt for all that time? It’s unhealthy. … He needs sunlight, and he needs activity. … It’s really cruel and unusual punishment,” Watters said.
Watters’ comments sparked outrage on social media, with many people pointing out that Trump is required to attend his trial like any other criminal defendant.
“I never really thought about how cruelly they treated O.J., a prolific golfer, by keeping him indoors for weeks. It practically makes you weep,” tweeted Michael Freeman, a journalist.
“Trump could use some exercise but not for the reasons Watters is suggesting,” tweeted Bradley P. Moss, a lawyer.
“He’s not a plant, Jesse Watters. #sunlight cruel and unusual punishment would be sitting in jail like most other criminals! Coming into court in their orange jumpsuits! Did you say ..a man who is almost 80?” tweeted Christine Caston.
“Watters makes Trump sound like a pet dog,” tweeted Aparna Nair, a disability rights advocate.
Watters’ comments come as Trump faces a criminal trial for allegedly paying hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep her from talking about an alleged affair they had. The trial is expected to last several weeks.
