'Hoping to get a pardon': Internet stirs as Michael Avenatti offers to testify for Trump while claiming ex-POTUS is being targeted

WASHINTON, DC: Social media users were spiraled in discussions after former attorney and convicted felon, Michael Avenatti affirmed in a recent interview with the New York Post that he is open to testifying for former POTUS Donald Trump in his hush money trial.

This follows after Trump was trolled relentlessly after he once again dozed off during his hush money trial. This marks the third time he's been caught snoozing since the trial began on April 15.

Michael Avenatti suggests willingness to testify for Donald Trump

According to the New York Post, Avenatti has been in discussions with Trump's legal team and is willing to provide testimony on his behalf.

Avenatti joined the New York Post for an interview call from Terminal Island, a low-security federal prison in LA where he's doing time for a laundry list of crimes. He's serving 19 years for a mix of offenses including extortion, tax dodging, fraud, and swindling.

He said, “The defense has contacted me. I’d be more than happy to testify, I don’t know that I will be called to testify, but I have been in touch with Trump’s defense for the better part of the year."

The New York Post disclosed that Avenatti remained tight-lipped regarding his conversations with Team Trump.

Despite previously being a vocal critic of Trump and even advocating for his indictment back in 2018, Avenatti appears to have undergone a complete reversal in his views about Trump recently.

He told the New York Post, “There’s no question [the trial] is politically motivated because they’re concerned that he may be reelected. If the defendant was anyone other than Donald Trump, this case would not have been brought at this time, and for the government to attempt to bring this case and convict him in an effort to prevent tens of millions of people from voting for him, I think it’s just flat out wrong, and atrocious."

Avenatti expressed frustration, saying, “I’m really troubled by how Trump seems to be singled out. Facing four cases seems excessive, and I fear it could all blow up and actually boost his chances at the White House. Depending on how it plays out, it could be like pouring fuel on his campaign fire.”

The New York Post stated that Avenatti ascended to sudden fame in 2018 as the lawyer standing up for Stormy Daniels, the adult film star who alleged a romantic entanglement with Trump dating back to 2006.

Avenatti's downfall was rapid. Following domestic abuse allegations in November 2018, he encountered further trouble in 2020 when he attempted to extort Nike for $25 million.

By June 2022, he was convicted of diverting $300,000 intended for Daniels' book deal. Additionally, Avenatti admitted to charges of fraud and tax evasion.

According to the New York Post, despite his own legal woes, Avenatti holds the belief that if the election were held today, Trump would emerge victorious.

Comparing his own situation to Trump's, Avenatti remarked, “I think we were both targeted by the justice system. There were many on the left worried about my potential rise within the Democratic Party and my independence."

The New York Post also highlighted Avenatti's denial of seeking a pardon, emphasizing his firm statement: "I’m not saying any of this because I’m seeking a pardon."

Internet speculates on Michael Avenatti's motives amid claims of seeking a pardon

Numerous online readers chimed in to offer their perspectives on Avenatti's interview with the New York Post.

One individual wrote, "Somebody looking for a pardon? Forget it. Even if by some stretch of the imagination Trump wins, he is going to say he never met you.😅"

Another user wrote, "Sounds like he will testify for defense or prosecutor...whoever pays more."

A user commented, "Someone's been putting money in his prison fund or promised him a pardon. The funniest part is if this is what Trump gets as a witness then none of his witnesses can be believed. Scraping the bottom of the barrel."

Another user commented, "Trump’s defence team would be better off without his testimony as he has absolutely no credibility. He will do more damage than help Trump. He ripped off former business partners, stole from clients and tried to extort Nike. So taking the stand and calling Stormy a liar isn’t going to work. Worst legal strategy ever." [sic]

A user stated, "Pardon. It's all about hoping to get a pardon. Avenatti wants a pardon if Trump wins. And if Trump doesn't win, he's got nothing to lose. I trust that the jury is smart enough to see through this."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.