Donald Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, made a startling admission even before the former president could be arraigned on Thursday following his third indictment. In a pre-court press conference, Habba seemed to undermine Trump’s defense that he believed he lost the 2020 election, hence justifying his actions leading up to and during January 6.
A reporter asked Habba how she reconciles with aides’ testimonies stating that Trump was informed by several individuals about his election loss to Joe Biden. To this, Habba candidly confessed that Trump was conscious of his defeat.
Habba stated, “I think that everybody was made aware that he lost the election,” a comment which triggered a flurry of reactions on social media. “However, that does not mean he only received that advice. It’s common knowledge that a myriad of advisors, politicians, and lawyers provide counsel in the Oval Office. Not just one or two individuals telling you their perceived truth. So he might disagree with Mike Pence or one of his attorneys, but that doesn’t negate the possibility of others advising him the exact opposite. Like any of us, the president has the right to consider multiple opinions before reaching a decision.”
Habba’s acknowledgment that everyone was informed about Trump’s loss instigated various responses on Twitter. Many were shocked that she seemed to have undermined Trump’s entire defense. His core argument hinges on his belief that the election was stolen, and yet, she publicly stated he was aware of the contrary. Observers found this example of legal representation quite astounding.