Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) joined former President Donald Trump in a Manhattan courtroom on Monday.
Trump is accused of falsifying business records to pay $130,000 in “hush money” to a porn star in 2016. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations.
Tuberville told 1819 News the case was a “political circus.”
“I’m proud to be in New York today to support my friend and president, Donald Trump. Americans see this case for what it is—a political circus. The left can lie about President Trump all they want, but the American people aren’t buying it,” Tuberville said.
Tuberville also gave a fiery speech outside of the courtroom in a press gaggle in which he said he was in New York City to show his support for Trump, who he noted was going through "mental anguish" by having to deal with this case.
Partial transcript as follows:
[F]irst of all, I'm disappointed in the courtroom. I'm hearing "Mr. Trump, Mr. Trump." He is former President Trump. Give him some respect. I mean, that's what that place is in there, it's no respect. Here's what I'm seeing, too. It is depressing. That courtroom is depressing. This is New York City - the icon of our country, and we've got a courtroom that's the most depressing thing that I've ever been in. Mental anguish is trying to be pushed on the Republican candidate for the President of the United States this year. That's all this is. He's been here a month. He's been here a month.
I am disappointed in looking at the Americans - supposedly American citizens - in that courtroom that the DA comes in, and he acts like hit his his Super Bowl, and I guess it is, to be noticed. But that's what's happening in this country.
The Republican candidate for President of the United States is going through mental anguish in a courtroom that's very depressing, very depressing.
I'm glad to stand by President Trump. I'm a friend of his. I'm here more as a friend than backing him as a candidate as president. I'm sitting there listening to a guy on the stand that they had to get out of house arrest because he lied in another court to testify in this court.
He's a convicted felon. I mean, this guy—he's up there given an acting scene, and all of a sudden he comes out and says, "Oh, I have recorded President Trump on my telephone." This guy worked for President Trump. I mean, how can you be convinced by somebody that is a serial liar? I mean, there should be no reason that anybody should listen to this guy.
But at the end of the day, the Democrats are trying to beat President Trump in the jury box because they can't beat him at the ballot box. That's end of story. So, I'm from the South. I'm here today to represent and to pay my respects to what President Trump is going through. It's a tough time for him, but you saw what happened this weekend. He's got more support than ever because what they're putting him through in that courtroom.
Marshall said he'd never seen a "greater perversion of the criminal justice system than I've witnessed this morning."
Marshall and Tuberville spent about 45 minutes with Trump at Trump Tower on Monday before heading to the courthouse.
Trump is running for another presidential term against President Joe Biden.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
