Trump is seething about missing Barron’s graduation. Here’s what the judge actually said

Jury selection in Donald Trump’s criminal trial has only been going on for one day but already the former president is telling supporters falsehoods about the judge’s rulings.

On Monday afternoon, Mr Trump seethed on Truth Social that Judge Juan Merchan had “prohibited” him from attending his youngest son, Barron Trump’s, high school graduation in May because he must attend his criminal trial that day.

Before jury selection got under way, Mr Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, asked Judge Juan Merchan if the court could adjourn on 17 May so that he could attend it.

Judge Merchan said he would not rule “at this time” on the matter but noted that if the trial was “running behind schedule” he would not be able to accommodate his request.

In New York, criminal defendants must attend trial unless they apply for a waiver, which Mr Trump has not done.

Despite no firm ruling on the matter, Mr Trump instantly claimed that the judge was stopping him from attending his son’s graduation.

“Who will explain for me, to my wonderful son, Barron, who is a GREAT Student at a fantastic School, that his Dad will likely not be allowed to attend his Graduation Ceremony, something that we have been talking about for years, because a seriously Conflicted and Corrupt New York State Judge wants me in Criminal Court on a bogus “Biden Case” which, according to virtually all Legal Scholars and Pundits, has no merit, and should NEVER have been brought,” Mr Trump wrote.

The former president’s allies, including his other son, Donald Trump Jr, also made similar false remarks.

Donald Trump Jrreposted a video compilation made by right-wing online personality Jack Posobiec calling Judge Merchan’s non-existent decision “pure evil”.

“Judge Merchan is truly