Judge Says Trump Has ‘Absolute Right’ to Testify at ‘Hush-Money’ Trial

Judge Juan Merchan stated that his gag order doesn’t prohibit the former president from testifying.
Judge Says Trump Has ‘Absolute Right’ to Testify at ‘Hush-Money’ Trial
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he leaves court with his attorney Todd Blanche at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, on April 22, 2024. Victor J. Blue/Getty Images
Jack Phillips
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The judge in the so-called “hush-money” case involving former President Donald Trump said Friday that he can testify in the case and that his gag order won’t apply in that circumstance.

A day earlier, President Trump said that he “is not allowed [to] testify” due to Judge Juan Merchan’s gag order that prohibits him from speaking about certain individuals, including witnesses, involved in the case. “I’m under a gag order. Right?” he asked Thursday, adding that he will again appeal the judge’s gag order.

Jack Phillips
Jack Phillips
Breaking News Reporter
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter who covers a range of topics, including politics, U.S., and health news. A father of two, Jack grew up in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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