Michael Avenatti, the former attorney for Stormy Daniels, says he has communicated with Donald Trump’s legal team and offered to testify on Trump’s behalf in his ongoing criminal trial in New York.
Avenatti now believes the case is politically motivated to prevent Trump from being reelected.
“The defense has contacted me,” Avenatti said.
He argues Trump has been unfairly targeted with multiple investigations and that prosecuting him so close to the 2024 election could backfire and boost his campaign.
Avenatti used to be a vocal Trump critic but has changed his stance while serving a prison sentence for fraud and other charges.
“I’d be more than happy to testify. I don’t know that I will be called to testify, but I have been in touch with Trump’s defense for the better part of a year,” Avenatti added.
“There’s no question [the trial] is politically motivated because they’re concerned that he may be reelected,” Avenatti said. “If the defendant was anyone other than Donald Trump, this case would not have been brought at this time, and for the government to attempt to bring this case and convict him in an effort to prevent tens of millions of people from voting for him, I think it’s just flat out wrong, and atrocious.
“I’m really bothered by the fact that Trump, in my view, has been targeted. Four cases is just over the top and I think there’s a significant chance that this is going to all backfire and is going to propel him to the White House,” he added. “Depending on what happens, this could constitute pouring jet fuel on his campaign.”
He claims Stormy Daniels would make a poor witness against Trump due to her history of dishonesty and unreliable claims.
Avenatti ripped Daniels for being untruthful and said putting her on the stand against a former president would be “ludicrous.”
“Stormy Daniels is going to say whatever she believes is going to assist Stormy Daniels and putting more money in her pocket,” Avenatti said. “If Stormy Daniels’ lips are moving, she’s lying for money.”
“I don’t know how you can possibly put someone who makes those claims on the witness stand and use them as a star witness in a case against a former president United States who’s running for president. That is just absolutely ludicrous to me,” he said.
However, he maintained he is not offering to help Trump’s defense in exchange for a future pardon.
“I’m not saying any of this because I’m seeking a pardon,” Avenatti said.
