Special Poll
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has introduced a new bill, named the “Let Trump Speak Act,” aimed at limiting judges’ ability to impose gag orders on defendants in most civil and criminal proceedings. This legislative push comes as former President Donald Trump battles a gag order in his ongoing New York hush money trial.
During a Monday interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business, Ogles explained that the bill specifically targets gag orders that appear to be politically motivated. It also proposes a right of action, allowing defendants to sue on the grounds that their rights are being infringed upon.
Ogles, who was present at Trump’s trial last week, labeled the proceedings a “political witch hunt” and expressed his strong support for Trump’s acquittal and return to the political arena. “Enough is enough,” Ogles stated. “Trump should be acquitted. He should be back on the campaign trail and that’s it. They’re trying to keep Trump off of the campaign trail and keeping him tied up in court.”
Trump has consistently criticized the gag order against him as a breach of his First Amendment rights, claiming it unjustly restricts his ability to counter political assaults from high-profile witnesses and others involved in the case.
The current gag order prohibits Trump from making public remarks about the witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, or the family of Judge Juan Merchan. However, it does not restrict him from criticizing Judge Merchan or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D).
Following a recent decision by a lower court to uphold the gag order, Trump escalated the matter to New York’s highest court, seeking relief from the constraints imposed by the order.
Judge Merchan has ruled that Trump violated the gag order ten times since it was set, imposing a $1,000 fine for each violation and warning that continued breaches could result in jail time.