Rep Andy Ogles introduces 'Let Trump Speak Act' to ban gag orders, Internet calls it 'silliness'
WASHINGTON, DC: A new bill being promoted by Rep Andy Ogles would forbid courts from placing gag orders on defendants in the majority of civil and criminal cases, according to The Hill.
Notably, the 'Let Trump Speak Act' bill is being introduced while the former president is still fighting the gag order he was given during his criminal trial in New York for hush money.
Rep Andy Ogles pushes bill to ban gag orders called ‘Let Trump Speak Act’
During a Monday, May 20 interview with Maria Bartiromo of Fox Business, Ogles stated that the bill's objective is to combat gag orders 'that are clearly politically motivated'.
Additionally, Ogles stated that the measure would provide a right of action, giving the defendant a legal foundation on which to file a lawsuit 'because his rights are being violated'.
Ogles, who was present at Donald Trump's trial last week, voiced harsh criticism of the hush money prosecution in the interview and said, "You can tell that this trial is nothing more than a political witch hunt."
Ogles added, "And so enough is enough. 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."
Notably, Trump has blasted his gag order, claiming it violates his First Amendment rights and stops him from answering political criticism from prominent witnesses and other sources.
Moreover, Trump is not allowed to publicly discuss witnesses, prosecutors, court personnel, or Judge Juan Merchan's family under the gag order. The former president is free to criticize Merchan and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg notwithstanding the gag order.
Within a day of a lower court upholding the gag order, Trump urged New York's highest court to get involved in his legal battle against it last week.
Notably, Trump has broken his gag order 10 times since it was put in place, according to Merchan, who also fined him $1,000 for each infraction and threatened to put him in jail if he broke it again.
Internet trolls Republicans as they push bill to ban gag orders
Several internet users trolled Republicans as they pushed a bill to ban gag orders which was dubbed ‘Let Trump Speak Act’. A user wrote on X, "They need to get to work! Aren't we paying their salaries?" while one added, "That would still only apply to federal courts. The state judges could still do as they please."
They need to get to work! Aren't we paying their salaries?
— Lynne Presley (@LynnePresley1) May 20, 2024
That would still only apply to federal courts. The state judges could still do as they please.
— TheCopperBandit (@AnOrangeMetal) May 20, 2024
A person also stated, "The let Trump cry fire in a crowded theater act," whereas one mentioned, "What silliness, he can say whatever he wants except for attacking court staff, jurors, and witnesses."
What silliness, he can say whatever he wants except for attacking court staff, jurors, and witnesses.
— glennl (@glennl537158) May 20, 2024
A user also said, "It’s also known as the 'You Hurt My Cult Leader’s Feel-Feels Act'," while one wrote, "Oh, these guys...always on the side of the criminals..."
It’s also known as the “You Hurt My Cult Leader’s Feel-Feels Act.”
— Meacham (proud Vermin) 🌊 🌊 (@MeachamDr) May 20, 2024
Oh, these guys...always on the side of the criminals...
— karen groucutt (@karengroucutt) May 20, 2024
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.