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Trump Fires Lead Attorney in Hush Money Case

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 15:59 GMT by MS NOW
      Locales: New York, California, Connecticut, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 12th, 2026 - Donald Trump has once again reshuffled his legal team, this time dismissing lead attorney Todd Blanche after Blanche advised him against testifying in the upcoming New York hush money trial. The abrupt firing, confirmed by sources close to the former president, highlights deepening tensions surrounding Trump's legal strategy and raises questions about the direction of his defense as he faces a mounting number of legal battles.

Blanche, a prominent and respected litigator specializing in white-collar criminal defense, joined Trump's legal team relatively recently, brought in to navigate the complex landscape of the New York case. His removal signifies more than just a change in personnel; it represents a potential shift in Trump's willingness to heed conventional legal counsel. The specifics of the disagreement remain largely confidential, but sources indicate a significant clash over whether Trump should take the stand in his own defense.

According to reports, Blanche strongly believed that Trump testifying would expose him to damaging cross-examination and ultimately harm the defense. Legal experts generally agree with this assessment, pointing to Trump's propensity for making inflammatory statements and his often-unorthodox communication style, which could be easily exploited under oath. Blanche likely advised that the prosecution, given their evidence related to the hush money payments, would have a field day dissecting Trump's statements and potentially revealing unfavorable truths.

Trump, however, appeared to be leaning towards testifying, potentially believing he could sway public opinion and present a narrative more favorable to himself. This inclination, despite warnings from his lead counsel, seems to have been the breaking point. The decision to dismiss Blanche suggests a growing frustration from Trump with lawyers who prioritize legal prudence over what he perceives as a necessary defense of his character and reputation.

The timing of this firing is particularly significant. The hush money trial, centered around payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign, is rapidly approaching. The case, while seemingly less existential than other investigations Trump faces - such as those related to the January 6th insurrection and challenges to the 2020 election results - carries substantial reputational risk and could potentially lead to criminal convictions. The trial promises to be a media circus, with the potential to significantly impact the 2028 presidential election cycle, should Trump choose to run.

This isn't the first time Trump has experienced turmoil within his legal ranks. Throughout his various legal battles, he has cycled through numerous attorneys, often driven by disagreements over strategy and a perceived lack of loyalty. Previous legal representatives have described difficulty in controlling Trump's communication and insistence on pursuing lines of defense considered legally unsound. The pattern suggests a challenging dynamic between Trump and his legal teams, raising concerns about the effectiveness of his overall defense strategy.

Who will replace Blanche remains a critical question. Finding a lawyer willing to take on the role, particularly given the circumstances surrounding Blanche's departure, may prove difficult. The new attorney will not only have to be a skilled litigator but also adept at managing a demanding and unpredictable client. Many top legal minds may be hesitant to join a team known for its internal strife and potential for public scrutiny.

The ramifications of this latest development extend beyond the immediate New York case. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Trump faces in mounting a cohesive and effective legal defense across multiple fronts. The January 6th investigation continues to loom large, as does the ongoing scrutiny of his business dealings. Each legal battle adds another layer of complexity and requires a dedicated and unified legal team. Trump's penchant for dismissing lawyers who offer unwelcome advice, however, threatens to undermine those efforts and further complicate his already precarious legal position. The coming months will undoubtedly be pivotal in determining the ultimate outcome of these legal challenges and their impact on Trump's future.