Former President Donald Trump's hush money trial has been marked by a stark contrast between the dramatic narrative he portrays and the actual events unfolding in and around Manhattan's criminal courthouse.
Throughout the trial, Trump has embellished his legal peril in social media posts and fundraising emails, painting a picture of courtroom spectacles and plots against him that are not reflected in the subdued proceedings of the criminal justice system.
Despite Trump's claims of storming out of the courtroom and holding emergency news conferences, reporters have observed his behavior to be mostly unremarkable as he sits through the trial.
The trial revolves around accusations of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump has raised $5.6 million online during the first week of the trial, largely based on these embellished accounts.
While Trump has mostly remained silent in court, there have been moments of tension with the judge over social media posts and interactions with jurors. However, Trump has generally kept a low profile during the proceedings.
Despite Trump's claims of being unfairly restricted from protesting outside the courthouse, there is little evidence of significant public support for him in the vicinity. Traffic has continued to flow around Lower Manhattan, and protesters have been allowed outside the courthouse.
As the trial continues with more testimony from the prosecution's witnesses, Trump's behavior in court remains subdued, in contrast to the dramatic narrative he presents to his supporters.
