Mike Johnson Visits Trump’s Criminal Trial to Say What He Can’t

Another retired judge, Jill Konviser, called the comments from Trump’s allies “an apparent end run.” She added that “proving a violation of the order under these circumstances would be challenging.”

In the meantime, the commentary from Trump defenders continues without interruption.

On Monday, Senator J.D. Vance, an Ohio Republican and a potential vice-presidential candidate, appeared outside the courthouse and made clear his intentions: to say what Mr. Trump “is prevented from saying, which is a disgrace.” He dismissed each prosecutor as “practically a Democratic political operative” and Mr. Cohen as “a convicted felon” who was not to be believed.

Mr. Tuberville, however vaguely, seemed to question the very legality of the jury.

“I am disappointed at looking at the American citizens — supposedly American citizens — in that courtroom,” he said.

More speakers followed on Tuesday. Vivek Ramaswamy announced his plans on X: “Headed to NYC courtroom now. Let’s see what’s going on down there, will share my thoughts over the day.”

His sharing began soon after, outside the courthouse.

“The real bookkeeping we need accounting on is the judge’s own daughter collecting millions of dollars as a Democratic operative,” Mr. Ramaswamy said. He, like Mr. Tuberville, criticized the “dingy, third-rate” courtroom.

The man he came to defend had given his blessing earlier that morning in remarks before reporters.

“Vivek, who’s here right now,” Mr. Trump said, “can speak for himself.”

Nate Schweber contributed reporting.