In a post-arraignment address at Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trump explained his decision to publicly lambast Judge Alfredo Merengue and his family, stating he merely misunderstood the courtroom theme.

“Let me be clear — I saw the judge’s daughter was there, so I thought, ‘Wow, finally, a court with some family values,’” Trump explained to a crowd of supporters still trying to find parking on the Mar-a-Lago front lawn. “Usually, judges just bring their law degrees, but this judge brings his entire family. Frankly, I respect it. It’s very Italian, very festive.”

Political analyst Cherry Lombardo interpreted Trump’s remarks as “a bold new legal strategy, where the defense tries to outnumber the prosecution with sheer familial presence.”

Trump campaign aide Ronny DeLuxe defended his boss’s approach, saying, “President Trump always believes in family unity, especially when it comes to unified public shaming. It’s a very traditional approach, like Thanksgiving, but with subpoenas.”

While Judge Merengue’s family did not respond to requests for comment, one anonymous court bailiff stated, “Honestly, we’re just happy Mr. Trump didn’t ask for the judge’s mother’s address this time.”

At press time, sources say Trump is considering a similar tactic for his next hearing, in which he’ll reportedly question whether the bailiff’s dog is ‘part of the Deep State.’