Donald Trump could very well be the stupidest man alive. Either that, or his claim of not being allowed to testify at his own criminal trial in New York is a smart, pull-the-wool-over-your-eyes attempt to influence the listeners, and in so doing, garner sympathy amount his supporters – especially the ones on the jury.
In either case, the judge in his trial felt it necessary to step in on Friday and correct the nonsensical record that Trump is not allowed to testify, not allowed to defend himself in a court of law.
Going back to Thursday’s “press conference” – a daily routine where Trump is given a national audience to watch him slowly walk to the microphone and spew his nonsense both before and after court – Trump was asked to comment on the testimony of Keith Davidson, the lawyer who negotiated the hush money payments for Trump’s alleged sexcapade with porn star, Stormy Daniels and Playboy model, Karen McDougal.
“Well I’m not allowed to testify,” Trump answered. “I’m under a gag order. I guess.”
He continued. “I’m not allowed to testify because this judge, who’s totally conflicted, has me under an unconstitutional gag order… Nobody’s ever had that before, and we don’t like it, and it’s not fair.”
Indeed, the “gag order” mentioned by Trump is typical in many criminal cases where there’s potential for the accused to sway the case’s outcome. Such an order restricts the former president from publicly discussing witnesses, jurors, court personnel, prosecutors, and their families. It also bars him from commenting on the judge’s family. While one might assume this standard stipulation in a criminal case would be straightforward, it appears not to be the case for Trump. He has incurred a $9,000 fine for failing to adhere to or acknowledge these basic conditions, indicative of several breaches of the gag order.
On Friday, before the court proceedings began, Judge Juan Merchan attempted to clear the air on Trump’s apparent (or intentional) misunderstanding.
“I want to stress Mr. Trump that you have an absolute right to testify at trial,” Merchan said. “Just as you have the absolute right not to testify.” He then reiterated the purpose of the gag order.
But maybe the damage has already been done. Is it possible that one or more of Trump’s supporters made their way on the jury and heard his statements? Is it possible that they sympathize with his numerous claims of being treated unfairly?
We will soon find out if he is truly the stupidest man alive or someone who has skillfully employed the media to deliver his nonsensical messages to his followers, especially those on the jury.
