Courtroom sketches of Donald Trump have been in the spotlight as the former president faces a hush money trial in a New York City courtroom. The trial, brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, involves allegations of a payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels shortly before the 2016 election. Trump has denied the affair and pleaded not guilty to charges of falsifying business records. The sketches provide an inside look at the proceedings, as cameras are not allowed in courtrooms. Trump’s appearances in various court cases have drawn attention and generated jokes and memes.
The courtroom sketches of Trump have varied depending on the artist, leading to jokes and memes about the former president. The drawings have received criticism from Trump staff and supporters. Some recent sketches that have gone viral were produced in connection with Trump’s classified documents case, the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial, the hush money trial, and the New York state civil fraud trial. In the classified documents case, artist Jane Rosenberg depicted Trump sitting next to his attorney Todd Blanche, with special counsel Jack Smith seated nearby. During the New York civil fraud trial, an illustration of Trump on the witness stand drew criticism against the artist, Elizabeth Williams.
Trump’s appearances in court, such as in the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial, have led to jokes and comparisons to fictional characters like the Grinch. Artists Christine Cornell and Bill Hennessy have drawn sketches of Trump during his courtroom appearances. In the Stormy Daniels case, which is one of the most recent trials Trump is facing, Cornell drew a sketch of Trump accompanied by his legal team with the judge sitting on the bench. Other artists, including Rosenberg, have also created sketches of Trump during different stages of the trial, such as arraignment and pretrial hearings.
The courtroom sketches of Trump during his various trials have garnered attention and sparked jokes and mockery. Trump has been depicted facing prospective jurors with a smirk on his face, conferring with his attorney, and sitting in court during different stages of the trials. The sketches have captured moments behind closed doors that provide a glimpse into the legal proceedings Trump is facing. Despite criticism from some, the court artists remain committed to capturing the events in the courtroom and providing the public with a visual representation of the trials.
