On May 16, 2024, several Republican congress members, including Representatives Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), and others, attended former President Donald Trump's hush-money trial in Manhattan Criminal Court. The trial concerns charges related to hush money payments made during the 2016 election. Boebert, Gaetz, and their colleagues voiced strong support for Trump, criticized the court proceedings, and drew media attention outside the courthouse.
The Republican lawmakers' presence coincided with ongoing legislative duties in Washington D.C., where House Republicans were focusing on holding Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress. This was part of a broader effort to challenge President Joe Biden's administration regarding a classified documents case. Due to attendance at Trump's trial, the House Oversight Committee had to reschedule its hearing to later that evening.
Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, sought to discredit the credibility of Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, who testified against Trump. Blanche argued that Cohen had a history of deception and alleged self-interest in turning against Trump.
Rep. Matt Gaetz echoed Trump's controversial past remarks to the Proud Boys by stating, "Standing back, and standing by," further igniting media responses. Meanwhile, criticism arose over Boebert's absence from her son Tyler Boebert's criminal hearings in Colorado, where he faces multiple felony charges.
These actions highlight the current political climate in Congress and ongoing divisions within the Republican Party.