Trump Accuses New York Prosecutors of Political Motivation in Bid to ‘Set Up’ Him

President Donald Trump declared on Friday that “radical left people” involved in New York cases against him should “pay a big price,” labeling the prosecutions as a “set up from the beginning” in a Truth Social post reacting to reports about his former attorney, Michael Cohen.

In the post, Trump stated that “New York Courts, with many fair and wonderful Judges, are embarrassed by what has happened. We cannot let this pass.”

Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney and fixer, claimed in a recent Substack post that he felt “compelled and coerced” by New York prosecutors to testify against Trump in civil fraud cases and a criminal prosecution over allegations that Trump paid a porn star to buy her silence regarding a past sexual encounter.

Cohen alleged that prosecutors under Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg asked “inappropriate leading questions” during his testimony, which he said did not support the points they were trying to make. He also stated that New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office made clear it wanted testimony that would target President Trump.

Cohen added that he is speaking out now because he has “witnessed firsthand the damage done when prosecutors pick their target first and then seek evidence to fit a predetermined narrative.” He emphasized that “justice must be more than effective; it must be credible.”

The civil fraud judgment against Trump amounts to $454 million. Trump is seeking appellate relief in both matters.

Cohen previously served more than a year in federal prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion, bank fraud, and lying to Congress. He expressed hope that cooperation in the Trump-related proceedings would be viewed favorably by authorities.