Trump falsely claims trial gag order means he’s not allowed to testify
The IndependentSign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump falsely claimed on Thursday that his hush-money trial gag order means that he isn’t “allowed” to testify as part of his defence. “Well, I’m not allowed to testify, I’m under a gag order I guess, right?” Mr Trump told reporters outside a Manhattan courthouse after being asked when he intends to take the stand. “It is common for a judge to now question the defendant directly about his understanding of his right to testify, which Merchan should do now.” “Since Todd Blanche nodded his head yes when Trump claimed that his right to testify has been taken away because of the gag order, Merchan must start the day tomorrow inquiring of Trump’s understanding AND whether Blanche misadvised him on his 5th Amendment rights,” Mr Filipkowski added in another post. In his written order, the judge warned that Mr Trump could face an “incarceratory punishment” if he continues his “wilful violations” of the court’s order, if “necessary and appropriate under the circumstances”.