Former President Donald Trump’s attorney, Will Scharf, asserted on Sunday that the hush-money case against his client was politically weaponized. Alleging a biased prosecution, Scharf cited the involvement of Matthew Colangelo, a former Biden administration official, as assistant district attorney in the case. He also raised concerns about Judge Juan M. Merchan’s refusal to recuse himself despite alleged conflicts of interest.
Scharf declared that Trump’s legal team will vigorously challenge the conviction on appeal. They will argue due process violations, claiming prejudicial jury instructions and evidentiary decisions by Judge Merchan. Scharf accused the judge of steering the jury toward the desired verdict and limiting the scope of examination of defense witnesses.
Scharf emphasized Trump’s right to speak out on matters of public importance, including the alleged politicization of prosecution. He criticized the gag order imposed on Trump during the trial, deeming it unjust.
Trump’s supporters have expressed outrage over the guilty verdict, accusing the Biden administration of orchestrating a political prosecution against a potential presidential opponent. They argue that the prosecution was timed to coincide with the presidential election cycle and was driven by political motivations.
Scharf vowed to fight the conviction, seeking vindication for Trump’s rights through the legal process. The appeal will scrutinize Judge Merchan’s conduct and the jury instructions. Trump’s legal team remains confident in their ability to overturn the conviction and clear Trump’s name.
