John Anthony Castro, a Republican who challenged Trump’s eligibility for the presidency in several courts, was arrested on tax charges. But, the arrest raised concerns about retaliation, especially since Trump’s lawyers tried to remove Castro as a “frivolous” candidate for president.
A “Frivolous” Candidate
In November, the Texan and long-shot GOP presidential nominee was declared a “frivolous” candidate by Trump’s lawyers in Phoenix. According to Herald Review, Trump’s attorney, Tim La Sota, also wanted to refute Castro’s claims that Trump provided “aid and comfort” to January 6 rioters.
“Not a Serious Candidate”
Trump’s attorney claimed that Castro, a tax attorney, was “not a serious candidate.” La Sota stated, “He’s basically running so he can file these lawsuits against Donald Trump,” adding, “Then he turns around and uses these lawsuits to argue that he’s a serious candidate.”
Comparison to Mickey Mouse
La Sota ridiculed the attorney by stating, “I mean, Mickey Mouse gets votes every election,” adding, “I think there has to be an inquiry as to … whether Mr. Castro has a chance of prevailing.”
Judge Douglas Rayes was Skeptical
Judge Douglas Rayes told La Sota, according to Herald Review, “It seems like your argument would require the court to play the part of political prognosticator, looking at polls and guessing which candidates are serious and which aren’t.” He asked, “Is that really a proper role for the judge?”
The Judge Also Pressed Castro
Judge Rayes asked Castro, “How is the fact that you’re spending more money evidence that you’d gain more support if Mr. Trump weren’t on the ballot?” The Judge also asked the tax lawyer whether he was a viable candidate.
The Ruling
The Judge ruled in early December that Trump will be on the Arizona ballot, adding, “It does not convince the court that Castro is genuinely competing with Trump for votes or contributions, or that he has any chance or intent to prevail in that election.” Still, he was also set to keep Castro on the primary ballot.
“Retaliation”
Earlier in January, the story broke that Castro was charged in Texas with 33 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of a false and fraudulent return for alleged crimes, which prosecutors described as “stunning in their brazenness.” Castro called these charges a “political retaliation.”
Castro Told a Different Version
The issues with the IRS were settled in 2021, Castro, who filed at least 27 lawsuits citing Amendment 14 Section 3 to keep Trump off the ballot, said. He told the media, “I don’t care if they offered me one-day probation and a slap on the wrist in exchange for a guilty plea. This is going to trial. I am going to convince all 12 jurors that I am 100 percent innocent and that this is political retaliation.”
Castro Called the Situation “Bogus”
Speaking to Newsweek, the Republican stated, “I decided to start suing Trump in September 2023, and that is when they decide that they’re going to now impanel a grand jury and present that issue and try to secure an indictment.” He said the issue was discussed in 2020 and resolved in 2021. Regarding the situation, he said, “That is just totally bogus.”
Trump Warned of “Pandora’s Box”
Trump said he would prosecute President Biden and former President Obama, and said after the court hearing regarding his immunity, “I feel that as a president, you have to have immunity, very simple.” He continued, “It’s the opening of a Pandora’s box, and it’s a very, very sad thing that’s happened with this whole situation.”
“Be Careful What You Wish For”
The former president also wrote on Truth Social, “To ALL Democrats, be careful what you wish for.” The November 29, 2023 post read, “I’m 12 Points up on Crooked Joe Biden – But he’s got the Justice Department and others suing me wherever and whenever possible – WEAPONIZATION, it’s called, and maybe that can make a difference. This has never been done on this scale before, not in our Country, but it opens up a very big and dangerous Pandora’s Box.”
Retribution Against the Press
The four-time indicted former president said in the fall, ” say up front, openly, and proudly, that when I WIN the Presidency of the United States, they and others of the LameStream Media will be thoroughly scrutinized for their knowingly dishonest and corrupt coverage of people, things, and events.”
Coincidence?
There is nothing to suggest that Trump or his allies are connected to the charges against Castro. Still, it is a fascinating coincidence, especially now that Trump’s case is heading to the Supreme Court. Read the full report from the courtroom where Castro and Trump’s attorney argued that Castro, as a “frivolous” candidate, does not have the legal rights to try to stop Trump’s reelection.
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