Steve Bannon, Trump’s former White House chief strategist, advised Trump to concentrate his efforts on President Joe Biden rather than Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over Trump’s hush money trial. Bannon’s comments came during an interview on The Sun’s politics show, where he discussed the 2024 election and Trump’s campaign strategy.

Trump, the first former U.S. president to stand trial in a criminal case, was indicted in March 2023 for falsifying business records related to hush-money paid to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges, claiming the case is politically motivated.

Merchan imposed a gag order on Trump in March, barring him from making public statements about case witnesses, lawyers, and staff, and their families. Despite the order, Trump has continued to target Merchan and others involved in his case.

Trump has also accused Biden, without evidence, of using the trial to interfere with this year’s election. Bannon emphasized that Trump’s campaign needs to be “highly targeted” and focused on key counties in seven states. He predicted a tough election battle but expressed confidence in Trump’s victory. Biden has expressed willingness to debate Trump.