Trump allies are now joining him in court to stop him lashing out: ex-White House staffer

  (Raw Story) : A former White House staffer said Thursday that Donald Trump's family and allies might have started accompanying him to court in an effort to keep him under control. Speaking to MSNBC, deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews said that Trump is likely "lashing out" at his lawyers and other aides in his hush money trial because he has little personal support with him in court. "Look, he's someone who's all about branding and optics, and he knows it's not necessarily the best look that he hasn't had his family by his side the first couple of weeks, that there aren't crowds of protesters outside supporting him," Matthews told host Chris Jansing. Read Also: Ex-Trump official reveals 'death threats' still keeping Republicans silent about Jan. 6 She explained that Trump "feeds" off of the energy of crowds, so not having them is likely influencing his mood. "So, for that to not assemble outside the courthouse is probably disappointing to him, and putting him in a bad mood," she surmised. "And, so, then he's lashing out at aides. And that's why now, this week, you're seeing folks come and support him, and be by his side, whether it's aides or surrogates and family members." She pointed to Trump's son Eric, who became the first family member to sit with his dad in the trial when he accompanied him this week. He and other family members will likely begin to appear in the coming weeks, along with other political supporters — such as ally Boris Epshteyn and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, ..