‘How did she become a lawyer: Internet ridicules Alina Habba over her understanding of gag order

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Donald Trump’s attorney Alina Habba has been ridiculed online for her understanding of the gag order imposed on the former president.

Habba made a bold argument that her inability to understand the gag order in Trump’s criminal hush money trial was unconstitutional, sparking criticism and mockery on social media.

Alina Habba argues about 'unconstitutional gag order'

Habba spoke to Fox News from outside the Manhattan criminal courthouse where Trump faces an ongoing trial on charges that he falsified business records to cover up hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Trump remains under a gag order which he has violated at least 10 times since it was implemented after he repeatedly attacked Justice Juan Merchan’s daughter.

“We have a dual system of justice and a very unconstitutional gag order,” Habba declared, echoing her client’s oft-repeated complaint.

“As his legal spokeswoman, I’m nervous about what I can’t say and that’s also unconstitutional,” she said.

What is Donald Trump allowed to do amid gag order?

The gag order bans Trump from discussing witnesses, jurors, counsel other than Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and court staff.

Trump is allowed to discuss Bragg and Merchan, but not members of their families. He is also allowed to criticize political opponents, as per Raw Story.

Habba argued this order, which prosecutors contend was necessary to secure a fair trial, violated Trump’s rights as a citizen and a presidential candidate.

“The fact that they will not let a defendant speak and exercise his First Amendment rights, never mind the leading candidate for president, that is un-American,” Habba told the station, adding, “It violates his First Amendment rights.”

Alina Habba faces social media ridicule

Habba's words were ridiculed on social media as people questioned her understanding of the gag order with X users writing, "Gag orders are not unconstitutional." 

“Lol, I would rather be pretty than smart is confused huh?” wrote a user on X. “As a lawyer, she should know what’s prudent & what’s not to say,” wrote one more. "Someone must have told her," the user added.

“There’s nothing unconstitutional about that…On the other hand, she should have opted for smart," wrote another.

“Habba: As a lawyer, I don’t really understand laws," reacted one more. “He can respond. Take the stand just like she did.” wrote one more. "Maybe she wouldn't be nervous if she wasn't trying to attack witnesses!!" another commented.

"“I’ve never heard someone say that they are “unconstitutionally nervous”” wrote another. “How did she become a lawyer?” was another reaction. “Stop lying @alinahabba . You can talk, you just cannot threaten witnesses, jurors, court personnel, etc.” wrote on more.

Donald Trump can not violate gag order via a surrogate

However, according to the Daily Beast, Trump "cannot violate gag order terms through a surrogate." The report also questioned if she violated the terms of his gag order on Tuesday, May 7.

The publication cited her Tuesday, May 7, statement to Fox News where she mentioned Stormy Daniels saying, "When you have inconsistencies with any witness, it speaks volumes… When you pick people who are not credible, it speaks volumes.”

The publication also cited New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct that prohibits a lawyer from making “an extrajudicial statement” (i.e., a statement out of court) to the press that “will have a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing an adjudicative proceeding in the matter.”

It also detailed conditions that can lead to violation of a gag order or professional conduct. However, it says it depends on the capacity Habba is representing Trump for now.

But, according to HuffPost, "Habba is not representing Trump in criminal cases trial and is her legal spokesperson."

 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.