Donald Trump Assassination Attempt Trial: Judge Cannon Scolds Ryan Routh
Newsweek16 hrs
Routh Trial Opens in Alleged Trump Assassination Attempt
Above: Ryan Routh at a rally in Kyiv, Ukraine, on April 27, 2022. Image copyright: Nicolas Garcia/AFPTV/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Routh's erratic courtroom behavior and rambling opening statement prove he's mentally unfit to mount any coherent defense. His strange references to Hitler, Ukraine, Henry Ford and the Wright brothers, mixed with musings on the evolution of humankind, show a defendant completely detached from reality. The judge was absolutely right to cut him off — this isn't a platform for irrelevant theatrics.
Narrative B
The decision to represent himself reflects a principled stand against a system that would assign "random strangers" to speak for someone facing life in prison. Routh's attempt to focus on intent and his peaceful nature show that he understands what really matters in this case. The prosecution wants to silence his voice and prevent the jury from hearing his side of the story.
Cynical narrative
Does anyone really care about another political circus trial? Ryan Routh allegedly spent weeks plotting to shoot Trump at his Florida golf course, only to drop his rifle and flee without firing a shot. Now he's representing himself, making bizarre requests for strippers, a putting green and even a fistfight or golf match with Trump. Yet with so many real crises, this whole spectacle feels like empty theater meant to distract.