A peculiar phenomenon has emerged outside the courtroom where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is underway. A growing entourage of GOP loyalists has begun to accompany the former president to court, seemingly intent on circumventing his gag order by acting as surrogate mouthpieces.
This development has not gone unnoticed by Judge Juan Merchan, who, according to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, exhibited visible annoyance at the presence of Trump’s supporters.
Trump’s Republican Cheer Squad Irks Judge Merchan at Hush Money Trial
The group, comprising elected officials, aides, and party operatives, has taken to greeting Trump each morning, occupying seats behind him during proceedings, and holding press conferences to decry the trial as political persecution.
Some, like Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and Florida Representative Byron Donalds, are believed to be angling for the role of Trump’s running mate, while others, such as Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville and Florida Senator Rick Scott, appear content to demonstrate their loyalty.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who owes his position to Trump’s backing, joined the group on Tuesday, denouncing the trial as a “sham” and “disgrace.”
By speaking out against the trial and attacking witnesses, the judge, and his family, Trump’s surrogates have effectively become his voice, circumventing the gag order that silences him. Their presence has proven useful to Trump, allowing him to indirectly express his sentiments and influence public opinion.
