Trump Rallies Supporters Ahead of Michael Cohen Testimony, Touches on Poll Numbers

Former President Donald Trump boasted about strong poll numbers and labeled upcoming testimony from former personal attorney Michael Cohen as a "witch hunt" during a Manhattan court appearance.

Former President Donald Trump gathered a bevy of high-profile supporters outside a Manhattan courtroom on Monday, hours before the anticipated testimony of former personal attorney Michael Cohen.

As Trump addressed the media, Republican supporters such as Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, New York Representative Nicole Malliotakis, and Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville flanked him.

"I'm proud to be in New York today to support my friend and president, Donald Trump. Americans see this case for what it is—a political circus. The left can lie about President Trump all they want, but the American people aren't buying it," Tuberville said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Trump's comments focused on his belief that the case is a politically motivated prosecution driven by the Biden administration. He also highlighted a recent poll showing him leading President Biden in key battleground states.

"The New York Times just came out with a poll that shows us leading everywhere by a lot. Leading in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, and Nevada. Nevada, we are leading by 12 points, which is generally a Democrat state," Trump said.

The case revolves around allegations that Cohen paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to silence her claims of an extramarital sexual encounter with Trump. Prosecutors allege that the Trump Organization reimbursed Cohen and fraudulently recorded the payments as legal expenses.

Cohen, who has turned against Trump after no longer serving as his attorney, is expected to take the stand on Monday. He has been accused of being a "serial perjurer" and a "grifter" by some critics.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Last week, Daniels took the stand, alleging that she had sex with Trump in 2006. Legal experts have questioned the relevance of her testimony to the case.

Cohen's testimony is expected to be a key moment in the trial. Prosecutors will attempt to establish that Trump was involved in falsifying records, while the defense will seek to discredit Cohen's credibility.

Trump's remarks on poll numbers come amid speculation that he may announce a 2024 presidential run. He has repeatedly teased the possibility of a comeback and has maintained a high profile since leaving office.

On Saturday, Trump held a massive rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, drawing a crowd of over 100,000 people. The rally served as a show of support for Trump and a platform for him to attack his opponents.

Trump's supporters believe that the New York case is a politically motivated attempt to damage him. They view Cohen's testimony as another attempt to undermine Trump's reputation.

In addition to the New York case, Trump is facing multiple other legal challenges, including investigations into the January 6 Capitol riot and his handling of classified documents.

The outcome of Trump's legal battles will determine his political future. If he is convicted, it could derail any plans to seek office again. However, if he is acquitted, it could embolden him and strengthen his grip on the Republican Party.