A lawyer for Donald Trump opposes a potential release or leak of the former president’s mugshot, stating that it is “not going to help anything” because of his campaign and because mugshots are for recognition of a suspect.
After his indictment for alleged hush money payments, Trump is expected to surrender himself to the Manhattan district attorney’s office on Tuesday morning for processing, when he will be fingerprinted, photographed, and read his Miranda rights. The arraignment hearing is then scheduled for 2:15 p.m. at the New York County Supreme Court.
When asked if there should be cameras in the courtroom during Trump’s trial, one of the former president’s attorneys, Alina Habba, stated that she is not against the notion.
Habba, who has represented Trump on other issues, stated that the former president’s mugshot should remain confidential because he is running for president in 2024.
In response to Lemon’s questioning, the attorney said that she does not understand why it would be required, considering that Trump is globally recognizable.
New York law does not recognize mugshots as public documents, so the publishing of a Trump photograph would require special permission.
“Mugshots are for people so that you recognize who they are. He is the most recognized face in the world, let alone the country right now, so there’s no need for that. There’s no need for the theatrics,” she said.
Trump has confirmed that he intends to appear before a New York court for his arraignment on charges brought against him by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
The former president also spoke out as to the reason, asserting that it was “ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!!” in an all-caps April 3 Truth Social post.