Judge Judy Sheindlin has expressed strong opinions on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's prosecution of former President Donald Trump.
In a recent interview, Sheindlin labeled the case against Trump as "nonsense" and criticized the use of taxpayer money, as Fox News reports.
Sheindlin, an 81-year-old former Manhattan Family Court judge, did not mince words when discussing the prosecution with CNN host Chris Wallace in an interview streamed Friday on Max. She accused Bragg of exploiting the system for personal gain and called for more focus on crimes impacting the safety of Manhattan residents.
The case against Trump involves his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records during his 2016 presidential campaign. This conviction is tied to a $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels to keep her from disclosing an alleged affair with Trump in 2006.
Sheindlin, known for her candid and direct style, was particularly critical of the way resources were being allocated. She voiced her preference for the district attorney's efforts to be directed toward more pressing issues affecting everyday Manhattanites.
“I would be happier, as someone who owns property in Manhattan, if the district attorney of New York County would take care of criminals who were making it impossible for citizens to walk in the streets and use the subway,” Sheindlin said.
Sheindlin’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among some residents and critics who feel that the prosecution of Trump is a distraction from more immediate public safety concerns. Her statements underscore a tension between high-profile cases and everyday crime that directly impacts the community. “To spend $5 million or $10 million of taxpayers’ money trying Donald Trump on this nonsense,” she added, “I think is an egregious misuse of funds.”
In her discussion with Wallace, Sheindlin also shared her views on Trump’s business and television career, acknowledging his success in those areas while simultaneously questioning his suitability for the presidency.
Sheindlin described Trump as a successful businessman and a charismatic television personality. “I think he was a good businessman, a real estate guy. And he was certainly terrific on The Apprentice,” she remarked.
However, she did not hold back her opinion that Trump was not fit for the presidency. “I don’t think that Donald ever should have been president, and I don’t think that even Donald thought he was going to be president,” Sheindlin stated.
Despite her political independence, Sheindlin supported Nikki Haley in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, indicating her preference for a different leadership style within the party.
Sheindlin's comments have sparked discussions about the priorities of legal and political systems and the allocation of resources in high-profile cases versus local crime issues. Her perspective as a long-time judge and television personality provides a unique lens through which to view these complex issues.
In summary, Judge Judy Sheindlin has openly criticized the prosecution of former President Trump by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, calling it a misuse of taxpayer money and advocating for a focus on more pressing public safety issues. Her remarks highlight a debate over legal priorities and resource allocation.
