Judy Sheindlin, widely known as Judge Judy, has voiced strong criticism against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for his prosecution of former President Donald Trump.
Sheindlin argues that Bragg should be focusing on tackling serious crimes in New York City rather than pursuing what she deems as politically motivated charges against Trump.
In an interview with CNN’s Chris Wallace, Sheindlin expressed her concerns about the direction of Bragg’s priorities. “I would be happier 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 remarked. She condemned the use of taxpayer money on the Trump case, which she described as “nonsense.”
The controversy stems from Trump’s recent conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to payments made to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. Sheindlin criticized the legal basis of the case, suggesting that it required significant legal manipulation to establish the alleged crime. “You had to twist yourself into a pretzel to figure out what the crime was,” she stated.
Bragg’s decision to prosecute Trump on these charges as felonies has been contentious. Normally considered misdemeanors, the charges were elevated based on the claim that the falsification was meant to conceal a federal crime, though Trump has not been convicted of such a crime.
Sheindlin, a property owner in Manhattan, expressed frustration with Bragg’s focus on Trump instead of local crime issues. She added that the resources used for Trump’s prosecution could have been better spent addressing the crime that affects everyday New Yorkers.
Discussing Trump, Sheindlin acknowledged his business success and television persona but questioned his suitability for the presidency. She implied that even Trump may not have expected to win the 2016 election, reflecting on the surprise many felt at his victory.
Sheindlin’s outspoken comments reflect broader frustrations among those who believe that political prosecutions detract from addressing immediate public safety concerns. Her call for a shift in focus underscores the ongoing debate over the priorities of legal and political institutions in the United States.
