Former President Donald Trump has a history of exaggerating the size of his crowds, and he is now pushing inaccurate claims about the number of supporters attempting to show up at his first criminal trial. He has made false claims about security measures around the Manhattan courthouse, which he is baselessly blaming for keeping supporters away. Despite Trump’s claims that thousands of people were turned away from the courthouse, only a handful of Trump supporters have shown up to demonstrate near the building.
Contrary to Trump’s assertions, the police have not turned away “thousands of people” from the courthouse during his trial. While there are various security measures in place, including street closures and barricades, it is not true that people cannot get near the courthouse. The designated protest zone for the trial is directly across the street from the courthouse, and people are permitted to drive up to the front of the courthouse and walk in. Trump supporters are free to enter the protest zone and the courthouse itself, though they must follow decorum rules.
CNN journalists reporting from the courthouse area have observed a small number of pro-Trump demonstrators present in the designated protest zone, with fewer than 100 visible supporters at the outset of the trial. Security measures are in place, including restrictions on access to streets and sidewalks near the courthouse during court sessions and when Trump’s motorcade is arriving or departing. However, aside from these times, the area is not completely closed off to the public.
Despite Trump’s claims about the restrictive security measures, individuals have been able to access the courthouse without significant difficulty. Conservative attorney George Conway noted that he was able to take an Uber right to the front entrance of the courthouse without issue. He described the atmosphere as peaceful and orderly, with court officers and police officers on hand. In truth, the presence of Trump supporters in the area has been minimal, with observers noting that even walking a dog down the street could outnumber the number of demonstrators.
In conclusion, Trump’s claims about supporters being turned away from his trial and the security measures in place are inaccurate. While there are security restrictions during certain times, access to the courthouse and designated protest zone is still available to the public. The presence of Trump supporters near the courthouse has been limited, with only a small number of demonstrators visible. Despite Trump’s assertions, the situation surrounding his trial does not match his exaggerated claims of thousands being kept away by security measures.
