Donald Trump’s campaign is mobilizing his top surrogates, who are potential vice presidential picks, to defend him in the media as he faces a historic criminal trial in New York City. The campaign has circulated talking points to allies and strategically booked surrogates on television to ensure maximum coverage and support for the former president. Trump himself has expressed a desire for strong media coverage of his court appearances, with his supporters defending him on TV.
The campaign’s approach of utilizing Trump’s surrogates to increase media coverage is a familiar strategy that has been employed after previous indictments. However, the timing of this media defense campaign is crucial as his team is uncertain of how the trial will impact general election voters while also evaluating potential running mates. Prospective VP picks have taken it upon themselves to defend Trump, understanding the significance of their support on both a personal and political level within Trump World’s expectations.
Potential Trump VP contenders have already made appearances on TV and social media to undermine the credibility of the case against Trump and its players, including false claims of election interference. Surrogates like North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Rep. Elise Stefanik have labeled the trial a sham and criticized the prosecutors and judge involved. The overarching theme in their defense is a belief in Trump’s innocence and a dismissal of the charges against him.
Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance and Sen. Tim Scott have also weighed in on the trial, accusing the prosecution of election interference. While Trump has informed entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy that he will not be his running mate, he is still being considered for a Cabinet position. Ramaswamy posted a video condemning the trial and expressing hope for moving past using the legal system to target political opponents. The defense of Trump in the media largely reflects the themes outlined in the Trump campaign’s talking points.
The talking points, labeled “The Biden Trial, Talking Points,” advise Trump surrogates to characterize the trial as an assault on American democracy and a witch hunt orchestrated by the Biden campaign. They are instructed not to refer to the case as a “hush money case” but rather as entries in the company’s records, claiming that Trump did not control the books. The document includes critiques of the Manhattan DA and efforts to discredit Michael Cohen, emphasizing Trump’s innocence and downplaying any potential threat of conviction.
The messaging from Trump’s surrogates echoes the talking points circulated by the campaign, reinforcing Trump’s innocence and determination to fight for the American people. The focus on discrediting the prosecution and emphasizing Trump’s perceived innocence is a central theme in their defense strategy. Despite potential VP contenders and other surrogates coming to Trump’s defense in the media, the outcome of his trial and the impact on his political future remain uncertain and continue to be a significant factor for his campaign’s media defense efforts.
