[Gateway] Speaking to the New York Post from jail, Avenatti said he is in contact with Trump’s legal team and is willing to speak out against his former client.
"The defense has contacted me," Avenatti told The Post.
Avenatti is currently being held at Terminal Island, a minimum-security federal prison in Los Angeles, serving a 19-year sentence for a slate of federal crimes that include extortion, tax evasion, fraud, and embezzlement.
"I’d be more than happy to testify, I don’t know that I will be called to testify, but I have been in touch with Trump’s defense for the better part of year," Avenatti said.
The Post reports that Avenatti would not provide any additional details about the discussion, but an unnamed source "close to Trump" confirmed that the discussions are taking place.
Avenatti used to be one of Trump’s loudest critics, but he has seemingly dramatically changed his position.
"There’s no question [the trial] is politically motivated because they’re concerned that he may be reelected," Avenatti told the newspaper. "If the defendant was anyone other than Donald Trump, this case would not have been brought at this time, and for the government to attempt to bring this case and convict him in an effort to prevent tens of millions of people from voting for him, I think it’s just flat out wrong, and atrocious."
"I’m really bothered by the fact that Trump, in my view, has been targeted. Four cases is just over the top and I think there’s a significant chance that this is going to all backfire and is going to propel him to the White House," Avenatti added.
The former lawyer continued, "Depending on what happens, this could constitute pouring jet fuel on his campaign." 
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