The former president’s claim from the previous day that he couldn’t testify because of a gag order was refuted by the court presiding over his hush money case on Friday, indicating that Trump is permitted to do so.
At the beginning of Friday’s court sessions, Judge Juan Merchan stated that he had been aware of a possible misunderstanding regarding the gag order and Trump’s capacity to testify, which he deemed crucial to address.
Merchan remarked, “I want to stress Mr. Trump that you have an absolute right to testify at trial,” just prior to the jury being called. “Just as you have the absolute right not to testify.”
Merchan pointed out that the gag order only pertains to remarks he makes outside of court and does not stop him from testifying.
The judge’s remarks followed an inquiry concerning Keith Davidson’s evidence from Trump, who was addressing to the media following the adjournment of Thursday’s sessions.
“Well I’m not allowed to testify. I’m under a gag order. I guess.” He glanced at his lawyer, Todd Blanche, who nodded, and added.
“I’m not allowed to testify because this judge, who’s totally conflicted, has me under an unconstitutional gag order,” Trump further continued. “Nobody’s ever had that before, and we don’t like it, and it’s not fair.”
Read Also: Trump’s Rant: Judge’s Gag Order Sparks Controversy
It is forbidden for the former president to publicly discuss the role of jurors and witnesses in the case.
In order to materially affect the case, Trump is also prohibited from disparaging the families of the judge, district attorney, court employees, and line prosecutors. Trump was fined $9,000 by Merchan earlier this week for repeatedly breaking the gag order.
Trump has already stated that he is willing to testify in his own trial on several occasions, most recently on April 12 following a meeting at his Florida home of Mar-a-Lago with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
“Yeah I would testify, absolutely,” Trump stated at Mar-a-Lago. “It’s a scam. It’s a scam, that’s not a trial.”
