Donald Trump Wishes Melania Happy Birthday While Lamenting 'Rigged' Hush Money Trial

Former President Donald Trump wished his wife, Melania, a happy 54th birthday on Friday while outside the New York City courthouse where he is on trial in his hush money case. Trump called the trial "manipulated" and said he would be going to Florida to be with Melania after the day's proceedings.

Melania has not joined Trump at the courthouse during any of the hush money trial. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to reimbursements for his former fixer, Michael Cohen, in order to pay adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 just ahead of the 2016 presidential election to stay quiet about an alleged sexual encounter years earlier with Trump.

Trump said it would be nice to be with Melania, who is in Florida, but he is instead at the "rigged" trial facing the felony charges. He has denied all charges and called the case "horrible" and "unconstitutional." The former president plans to go to Florida to be with Melania after the trial proceedings finish for the day.

Why this matters: The hush money trial of former President Donald Trump has significant political implications as he mounts his 2024 presidential campaign. The outcome of the case could impact his legal standing and public perception heading into the election.

Trump also commented on a Supreme Court hearing, where the justices appeared poised to recognize some form of criminal immunity for presidents, though he said it had nothing to do with him. The trial is expected to last another month. While wishing Melania a happy birthday, Trump complained about the cold temperature in the courthouse and reiterated his claims that the trial is "manipulated."

Key Takeaways

• Trump wished wife Melania a happy 54th birthday while at hush money trial.
• Trump faces 34 felony counts related to Stormy Daniels hush money payment.
• Trump claims trial is "rigged" but plans to join Melania in Florida after.
• Outcome of trial could impact Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and legal standing.
• Supreme Court hearing suggests potential criminal immunity for presidents.