New Bill ‘Let Trump Speak Act’ Introduced in Congress
A group of 10 Republican congressmen, led by Rep. Andy Ogles, introduced the “Let Trump Speak Act” to prevent judges from issuing gag orders in trials. This bill aims to protect freedom of speech, particularly for individuals like President Donald J. Trump. The legislation includes exceptions for confidential information and minors, with the possibility of legal recourse for unjust gag orders. A coalition of 10 Republican lawmakers, headed by Rep. Andy Ogles, unveiled the “Let Trump Speak Act” to prohibit judges from imposing gag orders during trials. The primary goal of this bill is to safeguard the freedom of speech, notably for figures such as President Donald J. Trump. It incorporates provisions for confidentiality and underage individuals, offering avenues for challenging inappropriate gag orders.
By Andrew Jose May 21, 2024 at 1:12pm
A group of 10 Republican congressmen led by Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee introduced a bill on Thursday that would prevent judges from issuing gag orders to defendants in civil and criminal trials.
Should the “Let Trump Speak Act” become law, it would be unlawful for judges to issue suppression orders, according to a copy of the legislation shared by Fox News.
The only time when, according to the bill, judges could issue gag orders would be in cases where “confidential information” is brought up as evidence or those where minors are involved.
The legislation also allows for gag orders to be implemented as part of a plea agreement.
“We have watched for years as a politically-weaponized Department of Justice and Democrat activist judges have gone after President Donald J. Trump,” Ogles told Fox News.
“There is no right more sacred to Americans than the right to speak freely, as guaranteed in the First Amendment,” the congressman said, adding “activists within the justice system are attempting to strip President Trump of this right for the sake of their own political agenda.”
Should a judge issue a gag order in contravention of the act, once the bill becomes law, the subject of such an order can sue for injunctive relief at a U.S. district court.
The legislation comes two months after New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan issued a gag order against former President Donald Trump on March 26.
The gag order is in connection with Trump’s “hush money” trial, where the former president has been charged with 34 felony counts.
Should Congress pass this bill?
Merchan’s order silences criticism of witnesses, prosecutors, and court staff by the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, according to The Hill.
The gag order also shields Merchan’s daughter from criticism, although she is a progressive political consultant who has worked for Democratic fundraisers, The Hill reported.
Trump’s legal team has launched an effort to appeal the gag order.
On May 14, the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court rejected Trump’s attempt to appeal the gag order, court documents show.
The appellate division ruled that “Justice Merchan properly weighed petitioner’s First Amendment Rights against the court’s historical commitment to ensuring the fair administration of justice in criminal cases.”
“The constitutional objections that petitioner lodges against the Restraining Order’s restrictions on his statements relating to Mr. Colangelo and Ms. Merchan are unavailing,” the court said.
Trump, according to Fox News, can now appeal the gag order at the New York Court of Appeals.
“This continued weaponization of justice and harassment of President Trump must end,” said Republican Rep. Bob Good of Virginia, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, according to Fox News.
An Important Message from Our Staff:
In just a few months, the world is going to change forever. The 2024 election is the single most important election of our lifetime.
We here at The Western Journal are committed to covering it in a way the establishment media simply will not: We will tell the truth, and they will lie.
But Big Tech and the elites don’t want the truth out. That’s why they have cut us off from 90% of advertisers. Imagine if someone cut your monthly income by 90%. That’s what they’ve done to people like us.
As a staff, we are asking you to join us to fight this once-in-a-lifetime fight. Without you not only will The Western Journal fail, but America will fail also. As Benjamin Franklin said, “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
Will you support The Western Journal today and become a member?
A Western Journal Membership costs less than one coffee and breakfast sandwich each month, and it gets you access to ALL of our content — news, commentary, and premium articles. You’ll experience a radically reduced number of ads, and most importantly you will be vitally supporting the fight for America’s soul in 2024.
This is the time. America will live or die based on what happens this year. Please join us to get the real truth out and to fight the elites, Big Tech, and the people who want America to fail. Together, we really can save the country.
Thank you for your support!
P.S. Please stand with us!
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...