In the ongoing trial involving former President Donald Trump, his long-time assistant, Rhona Graff, recently testified about her 34-year tenure at the Trump Organization. Graff, who worked closely with Trump at Trump Tower, is seen as an opportunity for the defense to humanize the former president in the eyes of the jury.
According to CNN's chief legal analyst, Laura Coates, the defense is taking a softer approach with Graff compared to the previous witness, David Pecker, the former tabloid publisher. Pecker had testified about efforts to suppress negative stories during Trump's 2016 campaign. The defense, however, also aimed to portray Trump in a positive light by asking Pecker if he believed Trump cares about his family, to which Pecker responded affirmatively.
Coates highlighted that Graff's role in the trial is to demystify the public perception of Trump and present him as an approachable individual. By sharing insights into her long-standing professional relationship with Trump, Graff provides the defense with another opportunity to shape the narrative around the former president.
The defense's strategy seems to focus on humanizing Trump and countering any negative portrayals that may have emerged during the trial. Coates emphasized the importance of Graff's testimony in shedding light on the personal side of Trump, beyond the public persona often associated with him.
As the trial progresses, the defense is expected to continue leveraging witnesses like Graff to present a more nuanced picture of Trump to the jury. By emphasizing his personal relationships and interactions, the defense aims to sway the jury's perception of the former president in a more favorable direction.
