Trump’s Newest Loyalty Test: Attending His NY Criminal Trial
- VP contenders and allies turn courthouse into 2024 cattle call
- Appearances highlight Trump’s grip on Republican Party
Donald Trump at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York on May 13.
Photographer: Steven Hirsch/AFP/Getty ImagesDonald Trump’s political career is marked by ruthlessly attacking his opponents in order to win, but thanks to his New York City criminal trial, he can’t do that. So he is turning to other Republicans to fight his battles.
A parade of GOP officials has joined Trump in Manhattan court in a show of solidarity with their party’s presidential nominee, amplifying attacks Trump is barred from making himself by Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the case. The appearances double as a high-profile opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty to Trump, and for some, to audition to be his running mate — who traditionally serves as the nominee’s attack dog — or secure another post in a potential administration.