Trump Accuses Biden of Weaponizing Courts Amid Hush Money Trial

Former President Donald Trump held rallies in the battleground states of Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday, accusing President Joe Biden of weaponizing courts against him amid his ongoing hush money trial in New York. Trump, who is running for a return to the White House in 2024, used a break in his trial to stage the back-to-back appearances in the Midwestern swing states.

During the rallies, Trump kept his legal woes front-and-center, claiming that the New York trial is a "fake trial" and that the district attorney is taking orders from the Biden administration. "This is a Biden sideshow, a fake trial led by the Biden administration," Trump said, despite no evidence to support his claims. He described the multiple criminal cases against him as "nonsense" and an "improper exercise in very foolish and very wicked politics."

Trump criticized the judges handling his various legal cases, calling them "dishonest and biased." He specifically attacked Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the hush money trial and recently fined Trump $9,000 for violating a gag order. Trump accused Merchan of being part of an effort by Democrats to destroy the country.

Why this matters: Trump's rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan mark his first campaign events since the start of the criminal trial in New York, where he is accused of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to an adult-film actress before the 2016 election. The rallies highlight how Trump is trying to balance his presidential campaign with the ongoing legal battles he faces.

In addition to attacking Biden and the legal system, Trump also outlined some of his plans for a potential second term. He pledged to shut down the southern border, extend his 2017 tax law, halt spending through the Inflation Reduction Act, and increase oil production. Trump briefly addressed the issue of abortion, saying that states should decide their own laws on the matter.

Trump's visits to Wisconsin and Michigan, two states that Biden narrowly flipped in 2020, underscore their importance as key battlegrounds in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Recent polls show Trump with a slight lead over Biden in both states. As Trump faces mounting legal challenges, he is seeking to rally his base and push his message that Democrats are trying to undermine him and destroy the country.

Key Takeaways

• Trump held rallies in WI and MI, accusing Biden of weaponizing courts against him.
• Trump called his NY trial "fake" and claimed the DA is taking orders from Biden.
• Trump criticized judges handling his cases, calling them "dishonest and biased".
• Trump outlined plans for 2nd term, including shutting border, extending tax law, and more.
• Rallies in WI and MI underscore their importance as key 2024 battleground states.