John,

It’s been another crazy week in Donald Trump’s criminal trial. Yesterday, his former lawyer and self-proclaimed “fixer” Michael Cohen took the stand. He told the jury that Donald Trump directed him to pay Stormy Daniels in order to keep her silent before the 2016 election.

What I find most revealing isn’t what Michael Cohen said however. It’s the reaction from MAGA world. Instead of defending Donald Trump with facts (you know, in the court of law), today a line of MAGA celebrities rushed to the courtroom to… hold a very weird press conference.

Speaker Mike Johnson (fresh off his trip to my district) plus a long list of potential VP picks turned the courtroom into a campaign stop. Each of them - Doug Burgram, Vivek Ramaswamy, Bryon Donalds - all took to the microphone to attack the Judge, the witnesses, and the Department of Justice. None tried to defend Trump on his actions or virtues.

I think that says something.

They think Trump is going to win, and they have to prove their loyalty. And look, they might not be wrong. All the polls show Trump has a very strong chance at winning. And then this horse and pony show is not just messaging - it’s what’s running our government.

That’s why winning back the House is so important. We would serve as the only check on his Presidency. But only if we win my toss-up seat.

So, will you please donate now to help us win this competitive race and prevent Trump and his clown car from dismantling our country?

- Josh