Additional Trump associates join former president at trial for hush money scandal

A swarm of Trump loyalists turned up to offer support to former President Donald Trump at his hush money trial in Manhattan on Thursday. The journey to Trump’s trial has become a pilgrimage for many of his allies and potential vice presidential candidates. The group who accompanied Trump included Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), a vocal supporter of Trump who even nominated him for speaker of the House in 2023. Also present was Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good (R-VA), who has faced criticism for supporting Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) but still stands by Trump. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has been a strong advocate for Trump, even leading a resolution to award him the Congressional Gold Medal. Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX) and Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) both denounced Trump’s indictment, with Biggs particularly vocal about what he sees as institutional targeting of conservatives. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) also showed their support for Trump at the trial. Boebert made headlines with her comments about Judge Juan Merchan.