Trump Plans “J6 Awards Gala” with Convicted Felons, Legal Expert Warns of Potential Consequences
Brendan McDermid | Reuters
Former President Donald Trump is planning to host a controversial gathering next month that could complicate his ongoing legal battles. According to NJ.com, Trump is organizing a “J6 awards gala” at his Bedminster, MeidasTouch reported that New Jersey golf club on September 5. The event is set to honor individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, with guests expected to include former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and MAGA influencer Anthony Raimondi.
“We gather to pay tribute not only to these individuals but to all J6 defendants who have shown incredible courage and sacrifice,” reads the event’s description. The gala will also feature a “#1 music chart plaque” giveaway for the “J6 prison choir’s” rendition of the national anthem, titled “Justice for All,” which briefly charted on Billboard after being promoted by Trump supporters.
However, legal experts are raising concerns about the implications of such an event for Trump’s legal situation. Attorney Tristan Snell, who previously prosecuted Trump over the Trump University scandal, pointed out that New York state law prohibits convicted felons from associating with other felons.
“Someone should alert Trump’s probation officer — because convicted felons are legally prohibited from associating with other felons,” Snell tweeted, emphasizing the potential legal risk for Trump if he proceeds with the gala. Trump has been convicted on 34 class E felony counts but is not scheduled to be sentenced until September 18. Until then, he remains legally able to host the event.
However, once sentenced, Trump would be assigned a probation officer and required to adhere to specific legal restrictions, including potentially avoiding contact with other convicted felons. The timing of the gala, just weeks before his sentencing, could be seen as provocative and might not bode well for his upcoming court appearance before Judge Juan Merchan, who has the authority to sentence him to up to 20 years in prison.
The planned event has already sparked controversy, with many pointing to the potential consequences of Trump’s legal battles. Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade noted that Trump narrowly avoided legal repercussions at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was seen associating with indicted “fake electors.”
Such associations could have prompted Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith or Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to seek Trump’s incarceration before his trial. Trump has consistently defended the January 6 participants, claiming they did nothing wrong and pledging to pardon many of them if re-elected.
According to NJ.com, approximately 1,230 individuals have been charged in connection with the insurrection, with 730 pleading guilty and about 170 being convicted. As Trump continues to position himself as a champion for these individuals, the “J6 awards gala” is likely to draw both attention and scrutiny, potentially complicating his legal defense as he faces multiple trials.
