news

Here is my rewritten headline: Trump Not Silenced by Gag Order.

Trump can't hide behind the gag order—he could, but won't, take the stand.

Published May 7, 2024 at 5:00pm by

Trump falsely claims gag order prevents him from testifying

"Well, I'm not allowed to testify. I'm under a gag order I guess, right?" — Donald Trump

Statement: Former President Donald Trump falsely claimed he was "not allowed to testify" due to a gag order in his New York trial. Trump later admitted the gag order pertained to out-of-court statements. Experts affirmed a defendant's right to testify cannot be denied by a judge. Trump's statement is false.

Trump faces 34 felony charges related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. The gag order, imposed by Judge Juan Merchan, bars Trump from discussing witnesses, court staff, and jurors, but allows comments on the case, Judge Merchan, and DA Alvin Bragg. Trump violated the order and was fined $9,000.

Sources: