U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the hush money case against Donald Trump on Tuesday, calling it an illegitimate 'sham.' Johnson, the highest-ranking Republican to support Trump at court, claimed the judicial system is 'corrupt' and politically motivated.

Trump is accused of arranging secret payments to a porn actress to hide negative stories during his 2016 presidential campaign.

Johnson and other Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and former GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, have been attending the trial to show support for Trump.

Johnson, who helped challenge the 2020 election results, argued that the prosecution is 'election interference.' Trump's campaign has coordinated appearances by allies to criticize the trial, which is now in its fourth week of witness testimony.

Johnson attacked the credibility of Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, and lead prosecutor Matthew Colangelo.

The Republicans' criticism comes as the trial continues under a judge's gag order preventing Trump from criticizing witnesses and certain case elements.