Biden Campaign Refocuses on Trump Amid Hush Money Trial

President Joe Biden's campaign intervened during Donald Trump's criminal trial in NYC to redirect attention to the Capitol insurrection. By enlisting Robert De Niro and first responders, Biden's team aimed to exploit media coverage. The move sparked a response from Trump's allies, who argued it demonstrated political motivation.

President Joe Biden's campaign on Tuesday showed up outside former President Donald Trump's New York City criminal hush money trial in an effort to refocus the presidential race on the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.

Biden's team, which had largely ignored the trial since it began six weeks ago, was looking to capitalize on its drama-filled closing moments, sending actor Robert De Niro and some of the first responders at the Capitol that day. A top adviser said they weren't there to talk about the trial, rather to exploit the large media focus on the legal proceedings.

“We're not here today because of what's going on over there,” said Biden campaign communication director Michael Tyler, gesturing toward the courthouse. “We're here today because you all are here.” The Biden campaign last week released a new ad that was narrated by De Niro sharply criticizing Trump's presidency and plans if he's reelected.

“I love this city. I don't want to destroy it,” De Niro told reporters. “Donald Trump wants to destroy not only the city but the country and eventually, he could destroy the world.” Trump's allies planned their own press conference Tuesday, with the Republican former president's adviser Jason Miller saying the Democratic president's event proved Trump's argument that his prosecution was politically motivated.

“Joe's crookeds aren't in PA, MI, WI, NV, AZ or GA - they're outside the Biden Trial against President Trump,” he posted on X. “It's always been about politics.”