Former President Donald Trump walked back on his previous comments claiming he would not be allowed to testify in his New York hush money trial, admitting that the gag order does not prevent him from taking the stand. The gag order only bars him from attacking witnesses or jurors, not from testifying. Trump had previously mentioned that he planned to testify in the trial, where he faces nearly three dozen counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment before the 2016 election.
The gag order prohibits Trump from making public statements about potential witnesses, jurors, court staff, and their families, but it does not restrict him from testifying. New York Justice Juan Merchan clarified Trump’s false comments on the order, stating that the order does not in any way prohibit Trump’s testimony. Merchan had fined Trump $9,000 for nine violations of the gag order earlier in the week, and threatened jail time for future violations. Trump faces a maximum fine of $1,000 per violation and/or 30 days in jail for contempt of court.
Merchan is expected to rule on four additional alleged gag order violations, following a hearing on Trump’s comments about witness David Pecker and members of the jury. Legal experts suggest that if found in contempt, Trump could be sent to New York’s Rikers Island. Trump faces 34 felony charges of falsifying business records over a reimbursement to Michael Cohen for a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. Trump’s attorneys deny the charges and Trump maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty to the allegations brought by New York prosecutors.
The hush money scandal involves payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, with prosecutors alleging that Trump misidentified payments to Cohen as legal services. Trump has continuously criticized New York prosecutors for bringing the charges, claiming it was a form of election interference in the lead-up to his 2024 reelection campaign. Cohen, who admitted to the hush money payment in 2018 and pleaded guilty to an unlawful campaign contribution, has become a key witness in the case against Trump.
The ongoing trial has been marred by controversy over the gag order violations and Trump’s assertion that he would not be allowed to testify. Despite the challenges, Trump continues to assert his innocence and plans to defend himself against the charges. The outcome of the trial, including potential fines and jail time for contempt of court violations, remains uncertain as the legal proceedings continue. The case has garnered national attention due to its connection to the 2016 election and Trump’s outspoken criticism of the charges against him.
