Trump's Manhattan Trial Draws Crowds and Cash as Cohen Testifies

Former President Donald Trump's unprecedented trial in Manhattan court has sparked intense public interest, with New Yorkers lining up overnight and paying hefty sums for a seat in the courtroom. As the trial enters its second day, ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen continues to testify as a star witness for the prosecution. Meanwhile, Trump's political allies have rallied outside the courthouse in a show of solidarity.

Trump's Manhattan Trial Draws Crowds and Cash as Cohen Testifies

Former President Donald Trump's unprecedented trial in Manhattan court has drawn massive crowds and sparked a lucrative market for coveted seats in the courtroom. As the trial enters its second day, ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen continues to testify as a star witness for the prosecution, while Trump's political allies have rallied outside the courthouse in a show of solidarity.

Lines to get into the court were "crazy long," and "tensions were running high in the public line," according to The New York Times. People began lining up on Monday night, with some people reportedly paying others to wait in the line to witness the second day of testimony from Cohen.

"It's better than a Broadway show," a woman who said she paid someone $750 to hold her spot in line told the Times.

People waiting reportedly had some "tense exchanges" when others tried to butt into the line. One man at the front of the line sold his spot to two people for $2,000, the Times added. Others were spotted with sleeping bags and pillows.

Cohen is a star witness for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his team as they try to prove the former president falsified business records related to a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Trump has denied an alleged sexual encounter with Daniels ever happened. Daniels testified the two had sex in 2006, and she was paid off to stay quiet about it and not damage Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

Outside the courtroom, Trump was flanked by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, Florida Rep. Cory Mills, and former 2024 GOP contender Vivek Ramaswamy, all of whom could be in the running as potential vice presidential picks. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson also notably appeared in support of Trump's battle against 34 counts of falsifying business records.

The lineup came after the former president was joined Monday by Ohio Sen. JD Vance, who has also been floated as a potential running mate, New York Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, and his son Eric Trump.

The trial has captured the attention of both the public and political circles, with Trump using it as an opportunity to attack his political opponents and tout his poll numbers against President Joe Biden.

"The polls are through the roof," Trump told reporters outside the courthouse on Tuesday. "People want me back in office. They're tired of the Biden administration's failures."

Meanwhile, Cohen's testimony has provided a glimpse into the inner workings of the Trump Organization and Trump's personal finances. Cohen has alleged that Trump inflated the value of his assets to obtain favorable loan terms and deflated the value of his assets to reduce his tax liability.

The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, and the outcome could have significant implications for Trump's future political ambitions.