Former US President Donald Trump made claims on Tuesday that numerous supporters were barred from attending his hush money trial in New York City due to police and security measures. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that thousands of individuals were turned away from the courthouse in Lower Manhattan, claiming it resembled an “armed camp” intended to keep people away. He reiterated these assertions at the courthouse, expressing that “great Americans” seeking to show their support were unable to approach the building. However, observers present at the trial noted that the main street adjacent to the courthouse was open to traffic, with a limited number of Trump supporters visible. Despite enhanced security surrounding the courthouse due to the high-profile nature of the trial involving a former US president, members of the public are permitted to gather in a park across the street. The courthouse itself remains accessible to spectators, and a sizable sidewalk in front of the building is open to pedestrians. Additionally, news cameras positioned in the courthouse hallway provide real-time coverage of Trump’s comments. Trump has a history of exaggerating the size of his crowds, dating back to his 2017 inauguration. This tendency may stem from his dissatisfaction with the level of support he has witnessed during the trial, as reported by The New York Times. Trump has since disputed this report on social media, labeling it “falsely reported.” Those present at Trump’s court appearances have indicated that the number of supporters rarely exceeds a dozen. The situation within the courthouse may also be unsettling for the former president. On Tuesday, the second day of testimony, former National Enquirer publisher David Pecker described a mutually beneficial arrangement known as “catch and kill” designed to suppress stories alleging an extramarital affair and the fathering of an illegitimate child by the then-presidential candidate.
Trump Claims Supporter Presence Prevented by Security at Manhattan Trial
