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Legal expert slams Trump’s lawyers for major blunders in court that are hurting his New York case

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Donald Trump’s legal battles in Florida and New York are crucial chapters in his post-White House life. In Florida, the case revolves around Trump’s handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate, where he faces 40 felony counts for allegedly retaining sensitive documents and obstructing federal efforts to recover them. Meanwhile, in New York, Trump has been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged affair during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Legal expert slams Trump’s lawyers for major blunders in court that are hurting his New York case

As these legal proceedings unfold, attention has turned to Trump’s defense team and their handling of his cases. Former Department of Justice official Ankush Khardori, writing for Politico, criticized Trump’s lawyers, Todd Blanche and Susan Necheles, for making significant and inexplicable mistakes that could jeopardize their client’s defense. Khardori, who specialized in prosecuting financial fraud and white-collar crimes, noted that “Trump’s legal team has made several considerable, and at times baffling, missteps over the course of the trial that have increased the odds of a conviction.”

Critical Errors in Defense Strategy

Khardori highlighted several key errors made by Trump’s legal team. “Most devastatingly, lead attorney Todd Blanche, in his opening statement, repeated Trump’s claim that he never had a sexual encounter with Stormy Daniels,” Khardori wrote. This claim was contradicted by Daniels’ testimony, which Khardori described as very persuasive. He argued that this discrepancy has damaged the credibility of Trump’s defense, making it difficult for the jury to trust even the lead counsel.

The defense team further complicated their case by attacking Stormy Daniels in their opening statements. This strategy backfired, as it prompted Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s team to put Daniels on the stand. “Blanche called her a liar,” Khardori noted, which meant the prosecution “had to elicit considerable detail about the sexual encounter to establish her credibility.” This move allowed the prosecution to undermine the integrity of Trump’s defense significantly.

Check also: Is the judge in the Florida case helping Trump? Controversial decision by Aileen Cannon draws sharp criticism.

Misjudging the Opposition

Another critical mistake, according to Khardori, was underestimating Stormy Daniels’ intelligence. The defense team assumed Daniels lacked the capacity to effectively counter their claims. However, Daniels proved to be “resourceful, sharp and quick-witted,” turning the tables on Necheles during cross-examination. This likely made Daniels appear more sympathetic and credible to the jury, further damaging Trump’s defense.

Client Influence and Internal Friction

Khardori also addressed the role of Trump himself in the defense’s performance. As the client, Trump has significant influence over his legal strategy. Khardori argued that Trump’s insistence on portraying himself as a victim of political prosecution has not helped his case with Judge Juan Merchan. Reports indicate that Trump has been dissatisfied with Blanche’s work, urging him to adopt a more aggressive approach reminiscent of his late former attorney, Roy Cohn, who was disbarred for improper conduct.

Check also: Public opinion divided over Trump’s fate, majority of Americans believe he is treated differently

The former prosecutor also pointed out the high turnover rate among Trump’s legal team. “Even the lawyers who have joined Trump’s legal team hoping to crack the code with him have ultimately been disappointed, diminished, or both,” Khardori wrote. In the past year alone, several lawyers, including Tim Parlatore, Jim Trusty, John Rowley, and Joe Tacopina, have either left or been fired.

The Broader Implications

Khardori’s analysis suggests that the combination of strategic errors and internal friction could lead to a conviction for Trump. The portrayal of Daniels as a liar, the inability to manage Trump’s public statements, and the frequent changes in legal representation all point to a defense in disarray. This disorganization might ultimately benefit the prosecution and increase the likelihood of a conviction.

Check also: Republicans “recognize this as a B.S. trial”: Trump leans on allies to slam Daniels following testimony at New York trial

As Trump’s trial continues, the performance of his legal team remains under intense scrutiny. Former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori’s critique highlights significant issues that could have serious implications for the outcome of the trial. With the defense struggling to maintain credibility and coherence, the potential for a conviction appears to be growing. The case serves as a critical test of the legal strategies employed by Trump’s defense and their ability to navigate the complex challenges posed by the trial.

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