Michael Avenatti, the former lawyer for adult film star Stormy Daniels, recently stated that he has been in communication with the legal team handling former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Avenatti has expressed his willingness to provide testimony in support of Trump if required.
During an interview with the New York Post, Avenatti criticized the trial against Trump, labeling it as politically motivated and unfair. He also insinuated that his former client, whom he was found guilty of defrauding, had been dishonest with him regarding her unsuccessful lawsuit against Trump while he was in office.
Avenatti informed The Post via telephone from Terminal Island, a federal prison in Los Angeles, that the defense has reached out to him. He is presently incarcerated there, serving a 19-year term for various federal crimes including extortion, tax evasion, fraud, embezzlement, and more.
“I’d be more than happy to testify. I don’t know that I will be called to testify, but I have been in touch with Trump’s defense for the better part of a year,” Avenatti noted. The discussions were verified by an individual in Trump’s inner circle, as confirmed by The Post.
Michael Avenatti defends Trump as 'victim of the system' in hush money case, says he's being targeted https://t.co/T5tO7BL83H
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 22, 2024
Avenatti rose to fame as one of Trump’s fiercest opponents, openly calling for Trump’s prosecution in 2018. However, the defense lawyer took on a new position while in prison.
“There’s no question [the trial] is politically motivated because they’re concerned that he may be reelected,” Avenatti said. “If the defendant was anyone other than Donald Trump, this case would not have been brought at this time, and for the government to attempt to bring this case and convict him in an effort to prevent tens of millions of people from voting for him, I think it’s just flat out wrong, and atrocious.
“I’m really bothered by the fact that Trump, in my view, has been targeted. Four cases is just over the top and I think there’s a significant chance that this is going to all backfire and is going to propel him to the White House,” he added. “Depending on what happens, this could constitute pouring jet fuel on his campaign.”
