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Donald Trump’s attempt to portray himself as a capable leader for another four years was quickly overshadowed by his inability to stay awake during the first day of his own criminal trial. The trial, which commenced on April 15, focuses on allegations that Trump falsified financial records to conceal a payment of $100,000 to Stormy Daniels, his former lover. With the potential of facing over a decade behind bars if found guilty, one might expect Trump to approach the proceedings with a sense of gravity and attentiveness.
However, reports from the courtroom suggest otherwise. According to observations reported by The New York Times, Trump’s demeanor ranged from laughing at his own tweets to nodding off during critical moments of the trial. His apparent inability to stay awake led to his attorney having to wake him with notes, indicating a lack of engagement with the proceedings.
While it’s possible that Trump’s behavior was a deliberate attempt to downplay the significance of the trial, his erratic mood and demeanor suggest otherwise. He displayed visible frustration when the judge denied his request to skip court for his son’s graduation and remained motionless when infamous recordings, such as the Access Hollywood tape, were played in court.
Interestingly, Trump seemed most animated when one of his tweets criticizing Michael D. Cohen, a prosecution witness and former fixer, was read aloud. However, the judge’s warning about potential consequences for interrupting or interjecting during proceedings seemed to catch Trump’s attention, as he indicated understanding.
As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s lack of focus and engagement will persist. With the potential for high-stakes consequences, including imprisonment, one would expect Trump to approach the trial with greater seriousness. However, his behavior on the first day suggests otherwise, leaving observers to wonder about his preparedness for the legal battle ahead.