Trump seeks to transfer DA Alvin Bragg’s case to federal court, says attorney.

Former President Trump Seeks to Move Criminal Case to Federal Court

What’s Happening?

Former President Donald Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, has revealed that they plan to move Trump’s New York City criminal case to a federal court to avoid a state court trial. The move could potentially expand the jury pool outside of Manhattan, where voters heavily supported Democrats in the last election. However, a federal judge would have to approve the request, and Trump’s lawyers would likely argue that the case raises questions about federal election laws.

The Allegations

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has accused Trump of violating New York state law by carrying out a “catch and kill” scheme during the 2016 campaign to find negative stories about him and provide payments to keep them out of the public eye. The DA’s office also alleges that Trump hid “dozens of false entries in business records to conceal criminal activity, including attempts to violate state and federal election laws.”

Trump’s Response

Trump has entered a not guilty plea to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection to payments his campaign made during the 2016 presidential contest to silence allegations about an affair. He has denied having an affair and any wrongdoing in the case. Since being arraigned last month, Trump has made the case a central theme of his 2024 campaign, arguing that Democrats are using the legal system to politically persecute their enemies and prevent him from winning reelection.

The Latest

Thursday’s public hearing was the first since Trump’s arraignment, and it drew considerable media attention. The Epoch Times has contacted both Blanche’s office and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office for comment. Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan is overseeing the case.