Trump lawyer on criticism of his performance: ‘Only one person’s opinion matters’

Bruce Castor, one of former President Trump’s defense attorneys, downplayed the criticism surrounding his widely panned performance on Day One of the Senate trial, telling reporters Wednesday morning that Trump’s judgment is his sole concern.

“Only one person’s opinion matters, and that’s what I’m going by,” Castor said shortly before the second day’s proceedings were set to begin.

Asked if he plans to change his strategy on Wednesday, he answered tersely. 

“Not at all,” he said.

Castor launched Trump’s defense Tuesday, the first day of the former president’s impeachment trial, with what appeared to be a rambling, hourlong speech that struggled to find a common theme and left senators on both sides of the aisle scratching their heads.

Numerous reports have emerged that Trump, now living in Florida, was irate after watching Castor’s performance.  

Multiple people tell me Trump was basically screaming as Castor made a meandering opening argument that struggled to get at the heart of the defense team’s argument.

— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) February 9, 2021

Asked if Trump had expressed that discontent directly, Castor said, “Far from it.”

David Schoen, another of Trump’s defense attorneys, received more complimentary reviews for his performance Tuesday, when he sought to make the case that Congress has no authority to convict Trump in the impeachment trial because he’s no longer in office.

Schoen said he spoke with Trump following the Tuesday proceedings, but declined to reveal details of the conversation, citing attorney-client privilege. Schoen hinted that he might take the lead in the case, saying Trump “always gives good advice.”

He also declared there would be no change in the defense strategy following Tuesday’s rocky start.

“We’re just getting started here and — going to do the best we can at all times, try to be prepared and do the best we can,” Schoen said.