(PartiallyPolitics.com) – On Wednesday, former President Trump expressed a strong defense of his constitutional rights on his TRUTH Social platform, amidst potential repercussions from a gag order a New York judge has placed on him. Trump’s post prominently featured the quote “Give me liberty or give me death,” famously declared by Patrick Henry, highlighting his resolve.
This statement followed remarks by Judge Juan Merchan on Monday, indicating that he would consider imposing jail time on Trump if he breached the gag order during his ongoing criminal trial.
In his post, Trump lamented the restriction of his right to free speech, emphasizing the frustration of being unable to counteract what he perceives as false accusations against him. He described this as a grievous injustice, especially given that his adversaries seemingly face no such restrictions. “It is hard to sit back and listen to lies and false statements be made against you knowing that if you respond, even in the most modest fashion, you are told by a Corrupt and Highly Conflicted Judge that you will be put in prison, maybe for a long period of time,” he wrote.
Judge Merchan had previously directed Trump not to make public comments about case witnesses, legal counsel, or any related court staff and their families as the trial commenced.
In his social media diatribe, Trump also criticized the broader political and judicial climate, referring to it as a “Fascist mindset” emanating from Washington D.C., and labeling it a targeted attack against him orchestrated by political opponents. He specifically called out Judges Engoron and Kaplan from New York, accusing them of corruption.
Trump’s rhetoric extended to broader claims about threats to the Republican Party and the nation, highlighting the importance of protecting the First Amendment.
On Monday, outside the courtroom, Trump voiced his willingness to face imprisonment as a “sacrifice” for defending free speech, stating, “Our Constitution is much more important than jail. It’s not even close. I’ll do that sacrifice any day.”
This sentiment was met with critical commentary from “The View,” where co-host Sunny Hostin suggested that jailing Trump could serve as a definitive stance by Judge Merchan. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg humorously speculated about possible prisons, while Ana Navarro quipped about potential visits from Melania Trump were he to be incarcerated at Guantanamo Bay.
Trump’s invocation of Patrick Henry’s 1775 speech in his post shows his dramatic flair for aligning his challenges with historical acts of defiance.
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