Trump, defenders show up in force ahead of Cohen testimony

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Former President Donald Trump was joined by a bevy of high-profile supporters Monday morning outside the Manhattan courtroom, where the NY v. Trump trial will hear from key witness Michael Cohen. 

As Trump spoke to the media early Monday morning, Republican supporters such as Ohio Sen. JD Vance, New York Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville, his son Eric Trump, and others were seen standing behind the 45th president for what is anticipated to be an action-packed day in court. 

Trump's comments ahead of court Monday focused on his argument the case is a "baseless, politically motivated prosecution" promoted by the Biden administration, while highlighting a recent poll showing him leading Biden in key battleground states. 

"The New York Times just came out with a poll that shows us leading everywhere by a lot. This is the cover story. And I think you'll find it very interesting, but I'm sure you've all read it. Leading in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Georgia and Nevada. Nevada, we are leading actually by 12 points, which is generally a Democrat state," Trump said.