Former US President Donald Trump described Thursday as a “sad day for America” due to the heavy security presence outside the courtroom in Manhattan, New York City, where the jury began deliberations on his hush-money case.
The 77-year-old Trump has been restricted by a gag order issued by Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the case. Trump was previously fined $9,000 for violating nine gag orders.
Speaking to reporters, Trump criticized the restraining order, saying he would love to talk but couldn’t because of the gag order, and reiterated that it was a “sad day for America.”
The former president also targeted the prosecutor, appointed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, reiterating his claim that the criminal charges against him were politically motivated.
“I haven’t seen one legal scholar or expert in the law saying that this case should have been brought,” Trump said on Thursday.
During his brief remarks, Trump called the charges a “disgrace” and criticized the security arrangements outside the Manhattan courthouse.
Trump declared, “This is a very sad day for America. The whole world is watching. And it’s a very sad day for New York. The whole system is rigged.”