Photo: Evan Vucci/AP
In the ongoing saga of Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial, a peculiar anecdote emerged on Monday, shedding light on the inner workings of the former president’s social media strategy.
Justin McConney, the son of a pivotal witness in the trial, once drew a striking analogy between teaching Trump to tweet and the iconic scene from “Jurassic Park” where Dr. Grant realizes velociraptors can open doors.
According to Politico, McConney likened the revelation that Trump could personally tweet to the pivotal moment in the film, expressing a mix of astonishment and apprehension.
This insight into Trump’s early forays into Twitter came to light through the analysis of former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance in her newsletter titled “Courting Disaster.”
At the center of Monday’s courtroom drama was Jeffrey McConney, former controller of the Trump Organization and a key witness for the prosecution.
Vance highlighted McConney’s testimony, emphasizing his role in managing Trump’s business records and his connection to the former president through his son Justin, who served as Trump’s inaugural director of social media.
Justin McConney reportedly played a pivotal role in acquainting Trump with the intricacies of Twitter, a platform that would become a cornerstone of the former president’s communication strategy.
However, despite his efforts to guide Trump through the digital landscape, McConney was said to have felt a sense of trepidation when Trump independently tweeted for the first time.
Vance dissected the courtroom dynamics, particularly focusing on a crucial moment during cross-examination when Trump’s attorney Emil Bove inadvertently elicited testimony suggesting that payments to Michael Cohen were reimbursements for legal services, rather than business expenses.
This slip-up, Vance noted, could have significant implications for the prosecution’s case against Trump. The trial itself revolves around allegations that Trump falsified business records to conceal hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election.
Facing a 34-count indictment, Trump has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. Jeffrey McConney’s emotional testimony, marked by moments of vulnerability, offers a glimpse into the toll that the Trump Organization’s legal battles have taken on its longtime employees.
Having devoted 35 years to the company, McConney’s decision to step away underscores the profound impact of the ongoing legal saga on those entangled in its web.
