Here's what to know about Donald Trump's lead lawyer in his hush money trial

In his historic hush money trial taking place in lower Manhattan, former president Donald Trump is relying on one person more than anyone else: his lead defense attorney, Todd Blanche.

The first former U.S. president to be tried on criminal charges, Trump was indicted on 34 felony counts for allegedly falsifying business records ahead of the 2016 election for the purpose of concealing hush money payments made to women who claim they had sexual relations with him, Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal.

More: Trump trial live updates: Michael Cohen's banker to testify on payment to Stormy Daniels

What is Todd Blanche’s background?

Blanche is a former prosecutor who has worked for several prestigious law firms in New York, including WilmerHale and Cadwalader and Wickersham & Taft LLP. He served the U.S. Attorney’s Office for over eight years as Co-Chief of the White Plains Division of the Southern District of New York.

In 2019, Blanche led the team representing former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort in a New York fraud case, in which he was accused of defrauding banks of more than $1 million by submitting false financial statements when applying for residential mortgage loans. The judge in that case ultimately dismissed the charges, but Manafort was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison as a result of two other federal cases.

Since April 2023, Blanche has worked as a founding partner of his firm, Blanche Law.

More: Defense lawyer Todd Blanche goes after Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels in opening arguments

Advisor responds to reports Trump is unhappy with Blanche

Blanche delivered the Trump defense team’s opening statement and is serving as his principal lawyer in the hush money case, but The New York Times alleged Trump is allegedly unhappy with his performance.

Despite being the former president’s favorite lawyer for some time, The NYT alleged Trump has recently turned against Blanche. The NYT added that shortly after the New York trial began, Trump began complaining about Blanche’s performance, his lack of aggression in the courtroom and his legal fees.

“President Trump and his legal team are fully focused on fighting this ridiculous Manhattan trial, which now includes an unconstitutional Gag Order depriving him of his First Amendment rights," Trump advisor Jason Miller said in response to the NYT's reporting. "Anonymous comments from people who aren’t in the room are just that - anonymous comments from people who aren’t in the room. I would be highly skeptical of any gossip or hearsay surrounding this case.”

Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @rachelbarber_

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Donald Trump lawyer Todd Blanche?