In a surprising turn of events, Joseph Tacopina, a prominent attorney previously on the legal team of former U.S. President Donald Trump, has made the decision to step away from representing the ex-president in two significant legal disputes. Tacopina has withdrawn from a state criminal case in Manhattan, involving allegations of hush money payments, as well as an appeal related to a civil case.
The seasoned lawyer, known for his appearances as a cable news commentator and his representation of high-profile clients like rapper Meek Mill and former Yankees baseball star Alex Rodriguez, confirmed the withdrawal through an email to Reuters. The New York Times had initially reported Tacopina’s departure from the two cases.
One of the key legal battles Tacopina will no longer be a part of is a state criminal case in which Trump faces charges of falsifying business records linked to a hush money payment made to a porn star before the 2016 presidential election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and a trial is anticipated later this year, although the exact timing remains uncertain.
Additionally, Tacopina will no longer be involved in Trump’s appeal of a verdict in a civil case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused the former president of rape. A jury had previously awarded Carroll $5 million in May after finding Trump liable for sexual assault and defamation. Despite the verdict, Trump continues to assert his innocence in this particular case.
This change in Trump’s legal representation is notable as it coincides with the commencement of the 2024 campaign, where Iowans are poised to cast the first votes. Trump, an early favorite in the Republican presidential primary, faces this shift in his legal team as he seeks victory in the early contest.
Tacopina’s departure follows a trend among Trump’s legal advisors, with at least three members of his Florida legal team stepping down after the former president’s indictment in June on charges of unlawfully retaining national-security documents upon leaving office. In response to inquiries about Tacopina’s decision, Trump’s spokesman, Steven Cheung, emphasized the resilience and strength of Trump’s legal team in the face of ongoing legal challenges.
As the legal landscape surrounding Trump continues to evolve, this latest development adds another layer of complexity to the former president’s legal defense.
