Trump Unhappy with Lawyer’s Trial Strategy, Report Says

Former President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed frustration and dissatisfaction with his attorney Todd Blanche, who is representing him in his criminal trial in Manhattan. According to a report from The New York Times, Trump has privately criticized Blanche, believing that the lawyer is not aggressive enough in challenging witnesses, the judge, and what he perceives as a biased jury pool. Trump has repeatedly characterized the case against him as a politically motivated “witch hunt,” and he wants Blanche to take a more assertive stance in defending him.

Sources familiar with the matter, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that Trump has voiced his displeasure with Blanche’s performance, claiming that the attorney has not adequately followed his directives and has not been forceful enough in his approach. Trump reportedly desires Blanche to be more confrontational, particularly in his questioning of witnesses and in challenging the impartiality of the jury pool, as well as in his interactions with Judge Juan Merchan.

Blanche, a former federal prosecutor who left his law firm to represent Trump, is part of a legal team consisting of Emil Bove, a partner at Blanche’s current firm, and experienced defense attorney Susan Necheles. Despite Trump’s criticisms, Blanche had been considered Trump’s favorite attorney in the past and continues to represent him in his two federal criminal cases related to the 2020 election and the handling of White House documents.

The relationship between Trump and Blanche has reportedly strained, with Blanche facing scrutiny during a recent hearing over a gag order violation by Trump. Judge Merchan admonished Blanche, stating that he was “losing all credibility with the court.” Additionally, Blanche has not yet cross-examined two key witnesses, former American Media CEO David Pecker and former Trump assistant Rhona Graff, who have completed their testimony.

Blanche has not responded to requests for comment on Trump’s dissatisfaction, while Trump advisor Jason Miller emphasized that Trump and his legal team are fully focused on fighting the trial and dismissed anonymous comments about the case as unreliable.

The trial, which is set to resume on Tuesday, is expected to continue for another five weeks. There is no indication that Trump plans to replace Blanche at this time, but his opinion of the attorney may change depending on the trial’s outcome.

Financial records show that Trump’s PAC, Save America, has paid Blanche’s law firm approximately $4 million since Trump’s indictment in Manhattan, with total payments to his legal team exceeding $50 million. Supporters of Blanche argue that his approach is strategic, as overly aggressive tactics could backfire and harm Trump’s case.

Trump is facing 34 felony counts in New York for falsifying business records related to payments made to Michael Cohen, his former attorney, to silence Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump has pleaded not guilty, claiming the payments were personal expenses unrelated to his business. Blanche has represented Trump since his indictment last year, leaving his previous law firm to set up his own practice to represent the former president.