Donald Trump found himself the butt of jokes on Monday after reportedly falling asleep in court, with comedian Jon Stewart adding his own jibes to the pile.
It was the first day of Trump's New York criminal trial, with the former president appearing at Manhattan Criminal Court as jury selection commenced. However, journalists reporting on the case said Trump started snoozing shortly after proceedings began.
During Monday night's episode of The Daily Show, Stewart mocked the business mogul's apparent catnap.
"After years of anticipation, the first criminal trial of a former president has begun, and by all accounts, it is absolutely riveting," Stewart quipped, before cutting to a CNN interview with Maggie Haberman, one of the journalists present at trial and the first to report on Trump dozing off.
"40 minutes ago, you wrote an observation that--I was very surprised. Trump appears to be sleeping?" CNN Washington anchor Jake Tapper asked Haberman. "'His head keeps dropping down and his mouth goes slack.'"
Haberman nodded before replying: "Well Jake, he appeared to be asleep."
Mimicking Haberman's deadpan delivery, Stewart said: "Hey Jake, what part of head down, eyes closed, drool coming out of his mouth do you not f****** get over here? He's snoring."
"Imagine committing so many crimes, you get bored at your own trial," the 61-year-old continued. "Move on to the good stuff."
Stewart then jumped to MSNBC footage of Trump speaking ahead of the day's proceedings, in which he told the media "it's a case that should never have been brought."
"This is political persecution," the 77-year-old said. "This is a persecution like never before. Nobody's ever seen anything like it."
"It's an assault on America," Trump added. "That's why I'm very proud to be here."
In response, Stewart said: "It's true, Trump is always very proud to be part of any assault on America."
Newsweek has reached out to Donald Trump for comment via email.
Trump is the first former president in U.S. history to stand trial for criminal charges. The Apprentice star is facing 91 counts across four jurisdictions, along with separate civil cases. The charges include mishandling classified documents, election interference and racketeering. However, Trump has denied all wrongdoing.
The New York criminal trial stems from allegations that Trump falsified business documents to hide "hush money" payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 general election.
Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen paid $130,000 to Daniels—real name Stephanie Clifford—to keep her reported affair with the real estate magnate under wraps. The Trump Organization reimbursed Cohen through monthly installments, which were recorded as payments for ongoing legal services.
Trump has refuted the affair claims and pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
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