Washington is no longer the focal point of politics; instead, it's New York City that has taken the spotlight.

The first session of the U.S. Congress took place at Federal Hall in Lower Manhattan on March 4, 1789.

The U.S. government initially established its base in New York, but later relocated to Philadelphia for a year before settling in Washington, D.C.

One might think that Congress is "Lost in New York" this spring due to all the Congressional action in the state.

Many members of Congress are leaving today, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. A group of Republicans are regularly traveling to New York to attend the trial of former President Trump.

The trial of Democratic New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez is currently taking place at the Daniel P. Moynihan federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan. This courthouse is named after the late, esteemed Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a New York Democrat. Menendez will likely be spending his days in court for the duration of his trial, which is expected to last until the middle of July.

The government alleges that Menendez acted as a middleman for New Jersey businessmen to gain favor with Egypt and Qatar. Additionally, the feds claim that the senator hindered justice for another Garden State businessman by advocating for leniency in a criminal case. Prosecutors assert that they will demonstrate how Menendez and his wife obtained a Mercedes-Benz convertible as a result of their actions.

While the Mercedes is impressive, it is not the true highlight in this scenario. The real sparkle comes from gold, which has been a recurring motif in James Bond films. "Goldeneye," "Goldfinger," and "The Man with the Golden Gun" are just a few examples. However, if Menendez is found guilty, a new title may emerge: "The Senator with the Golden Bars."

According to allegations, Menendez received 13 gold bars in exchange for assisting a businessman in obtaining access to a development project in Qatar. Government attorneys claim they have evidence that Menendez searched for the price of gold online.

If found guilty, political observers could deem the Menendez affair "From Qatar With Love." And don’t forget that Menendez was just on trial seven years ago in an unrelated bribery case. That case ended in a hung jury. This isn’t "You Only Live Twice." If there’s a hung jury again, perhaps the appropriate title is "You’re Only Tried Twice."

In politics, there are often parallels. However, the trials of the New Jersey Democrat and Mr. Trump are not parallel; instead, they are perpendicular.

From the Moynihan courthouse, travel one block west on Worth Street and make a sharp turn to the right. You will arrive at 100 Centre St., which is the location of the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse. This is where former President Trump is currently on trial for his hush money case involving Stormy Daniels.

The Menendez proceedings are being overshadowed by the trial of the former President, with the courthouse for Mr. Trump's case casting a literal shadow on the building where the Menendez case is being held.

Mr. Trump is present every day court is in session, like Menendez around the block.

The Republican lawmakers who appeared in Gotham did not only praise the former president, but also criticized President Biden, the U.S. justice system, Judge Juan Merchan, and many others.

On Monday, Sens. Tommy Tuberville, JD Vance, and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis arrived to praise Mr. Trump.

On Tuesday, Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., and Cory Mills, R-Fla., were part of the traveling roadshow.

On Thursday, a group of Republican congressmen, including Anna Paulina Luna, Matt Gaetz, Bob Good, Eli Crane, Andy Biggs, Michael Waltz, and Lauren Boebert, traveled up the Acela Corridor to demonstrate their unwavering support for Mr. Trump.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was the star surrogate for former President Trump.

"Johnson stated that he wished to be present at the trial of the former President to protest the injustice, but was unable to do so due to the court's restrictions. He spoke outside the building, citing it as just one of the many issues with the proceedings."

The Speaker of the House is the officer of Article I in the Constitution, but the court has the final say in matters related to Article III.

Johnson's appearance had multiple objectives. Firstly, it was an extension of the Speaker's visit to Mar-a-Lago a few weeks ago to promote an election integrity initiative with Trump. Secondly, Johnson is attempting to maintain a good relationship with the volatile former president. It is important to remember that Johnson survived an attempt to remove him from his position just last week by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. Despite this, there are still some conservative groups who are dissatisfied with him.

Johnson is attempting to demonstrate his loyalty to the MAGA movement through his opposition to the spending pact with Democrats, the renewal of the controversial overseas spying program, and the aid bill for Ukraine.

Political stability is crucial for Johnson and Congressional Republicans.

Mr. Trump is expected to be his party's nominee for the fall election. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., will not lead the GOP next year, regardless of whether they are in the majority or minority. McConnell has endorsed the former president, but there is no love lost between the Kentucky Republican and Trump. Johnson survived Greene's attempt to remove him from his position solely due to Democratic votes. Although this is not ideal, it is preferable to chaos. Johnson's strategy is to keep the party united.

If Johnson remains on the same page with Trump, it will aid him in maintaining his speakership. However, if Johnson disappears, Republicans will face a significant challenge in electing a Speaker next year, especially if they are in the majority.

"Even though it isn't mine, I love New York," as stated by Truman Capote.

Not necessarily the center of politics, New York is the center of the universe.

In Manhattan, where major trials are taking place, it seems that the political center of gravity has temporarily shifted north from Washington, D.C.