The Pro-Trump Right’s Effort to Discredit the Manhattan Criminal Trial and Judge Juan Merchan

The trial of former President Donald Trump in Manhattan has taken a new turn as New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan provided jurors with instructions that sparked controversy and misinformation among the pro-Trump right.

During the trial, Judge Merchan clarified to the jurors that they did not need unanimity to convict Trump, leading to misconceptions that quickly spread through social media and right-wing commentators. However, the reality is that unanimity is required for a conviction, but jurors do not need to agree on the specific unlawful means used in the conspiracy Trump is accused of covering up.

This latest development is part of a larger pattern where Trump and his allies have sought to portray the trial as biased and illegitimate. Trump has consistently disparaged the judge and the process, while right-wing media outlets have framed the trial as politically motivated.

The efforts to delegitimize the trial serve not only to undermine a potential negative outcome for Trump but also to bolster his political position. Trump sees his legal troubles as intertwined with his political ambitions, with the trials playing a key role in rallying his supporters.

As the jury deliberates and assesses the evidence, the outcome remains uncertain. However, if Trump is found guilty, it is unlikely that his supporters, particularly those who have been fed a narrative of bias and invalidity, will accept the verdict.

The trial of Donald Trump in Manhattan continues to be a divisive and contentious issue, reflecting the deep partisan divides in American politics.