On Wednesday’s episode of “The Last Word,” Lawrence O’Donnell of MSNBC wasted no time in calling out Donald Trump for what he believed to be the former president’s attempt to intimidate jurors. O’Donnell didn’t hold back in his criticism.
Jury selection for Trump’s criminal case commenced on Monday, with seven jurors currently chosen. Trump has voiced concerns about receiving a fair trial in Manhattan, where he faces 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records. The former president maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty to all counts.
On Wednesday, President Trump shared a quote from Fox News host Jesse Watters on his Truth Social platform.
“They have been catching undercover Liberal Activists lying to the Judge in order to get on the Trump Jury,” Trump quoted Watters.
After reading the post, O’Donnell didn’t hold back and boldly asserted that Trump had disregarded a gag order set by Judge Juan Merchan.
In reference to the jurors who have already been officially seated on the jury, Jesse Watters is suggesting that they have lied their way onto the jury. This endorsement by Donald Trump implies that these words are essentially coming directly from Trump himself. By choosing to violate his gag order, Trump has undoubtedly crossed the line in the worst possible way, thus far.
According to the host, Merchan is facing a crucial challenge and it will determine how he handles the situation.
According to Donald Trump, the actions taken by the prosecution in the trial can be seen as intimidating the jurors. He believes that this is a deliberate attempt to intimidate the seven individuals already seated on the jury, as well as any future jurors. Trump and his allies in the news media have made it clear that they will publicly attack anyone who serves on his jury.
Earlier in the evening, Jeffrey Toobin, a former federal prosecutor, stated during his appearance on CNN that Trump’s post “clearly” violated Merchan’s gag order.
