As we reflect on a truly unprecedented year in America’s courts, one thing stands out: the sight of a former president sitting before a judge went from unheard of to almost commonplace. The ongoing campaign of Donald Trump fused courtroom appearances into stump stops, captivating the nation.
It is worth noting that Trump’s lawyers pointed out in a recent filing that no current or former president had ever faced criminal prosecution in the 234 years from 1789 to 2023. However, that streak came to an end on March 30 when a New York grand jury indicted Trump, making him the first former president to be charged with crimes. This was just the beginning, as he was soon indicted in three more cases, appearing for arraignments in two of them.
Trump’s court appearances became a spectacle, drawing crowds of demonstrators both supporting and opposing the former president. Courthouses prioritized his heavily guarded presence, causing disruptions to regular business. But as the year progressed, the scene changed. By the end of 2023, Trump sat among a smattering of onlookers in a nearly empty room, while the courthouse hummed with the daily legal dramas of everyday New Yorkers.
Let’s take a closer look at the 12 days of Trump court appearances:
April 4: The former president made history as he appeared before a judge in a Manhattan criminal courthouse. Denying all allegations, Trump became the first former or sitting president to utter the words “not guilty” in response to 34 felony counts of falsification of business records related to a pre-election “hush money” payment.
Oct. 2: Trump watched opening statements in a civil fraud trial where he was accused of fraud by New York Attorney General Letitia James. This trial was unprecedented, pitting a former president against the state, seeking sanctions that would severely impact Trump’s business and $250 million in alleged ill-gotten gains.
Oct. 3: Trump’s social media post about a law clerk enraged the judge, resulting in a gag order barring him from talking about court personnel.
Oct. 4: James declared that “the Donald Trump Show is over,” but the proceedings continued.
Oct. 17: Trump planned to confront his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, but instead faced hours of testimony on mundane details related to evidence that James claimed supported widespread fraud.
Oct. 18: Trump expressed frustration with the case, the judge, and the witnesses, both inside and outside the courtroom.
Oct. 25: Trump and Cohen finally came face-to-face, with Cohen testifying that Trump directed him to adjust financial statements. Trump’s attorney protested Cohen’s responses, leading to a tense atmosphere.
Oct. 26: Trump was questioned under oath about a comment he made regarding court personnel, resulting in a fine and further clashes with the judge.
Nov. 6: Trump took the stand and lashed out against the legal forces that put him there, earning reprimands from the judge.
Dec. 7: The courtroom had more empty seats than filled, but Trump remained attentive as his defense team clashed with the state’s lawyers. His final appearance in 2023 left an impression, with the judge dismissing an expert witness’s testimony as saying “whatever you want them.”
Looking ahead to 2024, Trump’s four criminal cases will continue, promising more court appearances. He has vehemently denied all allegations and entered not guilty pleas to 91 felony charges.
In a year filled with courtroom drama, America witnessed the extraordinary as a former president faced the judicial system head-on. The impact of these events will undoubtedly shape the future of American politics and the legal landscape.
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