“They have the ability to say the things that Donald Trump has been wanting to say but has basically been struck down 10 times for saying,” Dubke said on CNN Tuesday. “So this is one way to get around the gag order.”
Trump seemed to be careful not to say he was directing anyone to speak on his behalf, dodging a reporter’s direct question about it Tuesday. However, it was plainly obvious to observers that something was going on when Speaker of the House Mike Johnson attempted to defend Trump by discrediting the legitimacy of the judicial branch and even attacking Judge Juan Merchan’s daughter.
Speaker Mike Johnson is outside Trump's trial offering a stream of lies pic.twitter.com/LpCpqturFI — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 14, 2024
Trump’s gag order prohibits him not only from attacking court staff, jurors, prosecutors, witnesses, or their families but also from directing others to do so on his behalf. Trump’s actions yesterday would seem to be a new violation. The former president has already been fined $10,000 for violating the order and has been warned that new ones would send him to prison.
CharlesB43 on May 15th, 2024 at 22:10 UTC »
Trump: I accept the debate against biden!!!
His team: Sir, what the fuck are you doing?!
danblanchet on May 15th, 2024 at 22:02 UTC »
We all knew this was coming but wow, that was fast.
Hobo_Code on May 15th, 2024 at 21:53 UTC »
Step 1: Accept debate invitation, in an attempt to look unafraid and strong.
Step 2: Claim that "the corrupt Biden DOJ" and his other legal entanglements will prevent him from attending. This will (in his and his supporters minds) give him an excuse that not only keeps him from going to a debate with no crowd and restricted mics, but will make him look like a victim of the "corrupt American legal system"* and allow him to continue collecting donations to "Save America" AKA keep him out of jail or bankruptcy.
*corrupt American legal system does not include Judge Cannon. He thinks she's the best.