Former President Donald J. Trump made a pointed attack on the district attorney prosecuting him during his first campaign stop since his criminal trial began in Manhattan. Visiting a bodega in Harlem, Trump criticized district attorney Alvin Bragg for being too lenient on crime and emphasized his “law and order” message. Trump tried to distance himself from his felony charges by portraying them as political persecution and criticizing Bragg for focusing on Trump’s 2016 campaign sex scandal cover-up trial instead of addressing crime in the city.
Trump’s campaign attacked Bragg’s handling of a 2022 incident at the bodega, where an employee was charged with second-degree murder for fatally stabbing a man after an altercation. Prosecutors dropped the case after surveillance video raised questions about self-defense. Trump met with the store’s owner and the employee’s lawyer and discussed the case with Francisco Marte, founder of the Bodega and Small Business Association, which has criticized Bragg. Before leaving, Trump posed for photos with police officers and criticized President Biden’s handling of the surge of migrants at the border, claiming it was harming people of color by taking their jobs.
Despite a mixed reception from supporters and protesters, Trump promised to make a strong campaign push in New York, a state where he lost overwhelmingly in 2016 and 2020. Some supporters expressed confidence in his ability to win in 2024 despite his criminal charges, believing that he would overcome the allegations. The visit to Harlem was seen as a strategic move to rally votes, with plans to hold more campaign events after court appearances during his trial, expected to last at least six weeks. Trump’s campaign aides are exploring rallies on Wednesdays when court is expected to pause each week and continuing rallies on weekends.
Trump’s visit to the bodega in Harlem provided a stark contrast to his legal troubles in Manhattan as he faced felony charges in four separate cases. Despite being under a gag order restricting him from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, and jurors in his case, Trump took the opportunity to criticize Bragg and the handling of the 2022 incident at the store. The visit, which included interactions with supporters, protesters, and law enforcement, showcased Trump’s efforts to maintain a tough-on-crime image while battling criminal charges and preparing for a potential 2024 campaign. The event highlighted the complex intersection of legal and political challenges facing Trump as he navigates his post-presidential future amidst ongoing legal battles.
