Donald Trump's hush money trial witness claims former president tried to influence jury with 'mad dog' stare

Donald Trump's hush money trial witness claims former president tried to influence jury with 'mad dog' stare
Donald Trump hush money trial witness opened up on former president's behavior in court (Getty Images)

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: A critical witness in the hush money trial against Donald Trump described their harrowing experience testifying in the Manhattan courtroom.

The former president is charged with 34 counts of falsifying his business documents to conceal payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

The witness who has chosen to remain anonymous due to safety concerns compared Trump's stare to a "mad dog," according to OK Magazine.

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Donald Trump faces hush money trial for allegedly falsifying business records to conceal payment to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election (Getty Images)

Hush money trial witness explains Donald Trump's intimidating behavior

The witness spoke out about their concerns regarding the widespread atmosphere associated with the former president's ascent.

"There's a lot of crazy people out there. Just look at January 6th, look at the protections that they established around the courthouse," said the witness.

"The authorities took it seriously, so why shouldn’t I? I am concerned about retribution," they added.

Providing a vivid account of the intense atmosphere during their testimony, the witness spoke out on Trump's intimidating behavior and disrespectful attitude.

Noting his frequent glaring and grimacing, the witness who called out Trump's disrespect toward the judicial process claimed the 77-year-old politician's behavior was potentially influential on the jury.

“He was trying to mad-dog. I was thinking, is the jury seeing this?” said the witness.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 21: Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits in the courtroom during his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 21, 2024 in New York City. Attorney Robert Costello will be back on the stand in Trump's hush money trial with the defense expected to rest their case. Judge Juan Merchan says to expect summations and closing arguments in the criminal trial next week. Former U.S. President Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Hush money trial witness speaks out on Donald Trump's 'mad dog' stare at jury Getty Images)

When Trump was not staring at the witness, the witness said he closed his eyes or gazed at the ceiling, which was disrespectful to the jurors and the court.

“He kept closing his eyes and then looking up at the ceiling,” the witness recalled.

“Almost like he couldn’t be bothered with the trial. Here are these jurors who have interrupted their lives to be here, and Trump can’t show any respect," they continued.

"He’s constantly playing to voters and to the press, but he was not playing to the jurors, and in that room, it’s all about the jury," the witness added.

Hush money trial witness speaks about concerns over court security

Emphasizing the tight security measures taken at the Manhattan courthouse, the witness expressed concerns about potential retribution.

Speaking about heightened precautions and security arrangements to protect the witness, the individual described being escorted in an unmarked government vehicle by undercover officers through several layers of barricades.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 20: Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks after exiting the courtroom alongside his attorney Todd Blanche during his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 20, 2024 in New York City. The prosecution rested their case in Trump's hush money trial after cross examination of Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, wrapped up. Attorney Robert Costello will be back on the stand when the trial resumes, and Judge Juan Merchan says to expect summations next week. Cohen's $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels is tied to Trump's 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first of his criminal cases to go to trial. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Donald Trump speaks after exiting the courtroom alongside his attorney Todd Blanche during his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court (Getty Images)

The witness stated that they spent over two hours in a secluded waiting area before being moved to a small holding space and to the courtroom where the former president, his legal team, the jury, and the judge were present.

“Even with the gag order, the potential for intimidation is huge,” said the witness.

“I think that everyone in attendance recognized the historic nature of the trial," they continued.

"I think that depending on perspective, some may think that this is a historic venture into firmly establishing the rule of law, while others think of the trial as a slippery slope of political prosecutions," the witness added.

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