It is unclear if Trump meant it in a theoretical or literal sense, or if waiting for a call from the dugout while making his statement in the bullpen put him in a position where, should he ever decide to take the field, those thoughts would be permanently sidelined. Any of these may work out. However, his remarks made clear the point he was trying to make—that this gag order is completely unjust and fake.

Judge Juan Merchan had to address the argument that Trump was not “allowed to testify” on Friday due to the overly broad and illegal gag order after feeling the weight of the lawsuit.

In his opening remarks on Friday, Merchan stated that he wanted to set the record straight on a “misunderstanding” surrounding his gag order. “You can still testify in any capacity despite the ruling banning extrajudicial utterances,” Merchan stated.

Afterwards, if he decides to take the stand, Trump informs reporters that he now knows the gag order does not apply to his testimony.

“Trump subsequently told reporters.” As he prepared for yet another long day in the Manhattan courthouse, Trump expressed his belief that the gag order is unlawful, even though he is aware that it only applies to remarks made outside of the building. “Testifying is not [about] the gag order. Because of the gag order, I am unable to discuss or answer anything they say about me. I cannot reply to what people are saying about me, Mr. Trump stated.

For any defendant, taking the stand is often a terrible choice.

The judge went on to explain that the gag order does not restrict his ability to testify. Harmeet Dhillon, a human rights lawyer, pointed out to Megyn Kelly that he did not mention the second half, which is that he has the authority to exclude facts from the jury.

Dhillon informed Kelly that the judge, for instance, has previously rejected the possibility of Trump’s attorneys providing specific expert testimony about campaign finance law—a matter that is not charged but is crucial to the prosecution’s case theory.

Trump’s lawyer said on Thursday that his campaign is suffering as a result of his silence. Todd Blanche remarked, “He cannot just say ‘no comment’ while he is running for president, you honor.” The four recent incidents in which prosecutors say Trump violated Judge Juan Merchan’s gag order on the presidential candidate are the reason for their complaint.

The majority of the 500 pages of material that Blanche generated featured Michael Cohen disparaging Trump on his podcast and TikTok videos. He said that since the remarks cast doubt on Trump’s integrity and ability to govern the country, he ought to have the right to reply.

Blanche said, “A portion of his campaign happens outside of this courtroom.” He displayed pictures and quotes from Cohen’s tweets, saying, “Part of the campaign takes place in interviews and encounters with prospective voters, whether there is press there or on the campaign trail.” He claimed that Michael Cohen and his podcast guests “attack” Trump on a daily and recurring basis.

Blanche expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that Trump ought to have the opportunity to respond as a presidential candidate when Joe Biden, his rival, brings up Stormy Daniels during the White House Press Association dinner.

“Donald Trump has had a couple bad days lately,” Biden said, quoting Blanche. One may refer to it as stormy weather.” “Stormy weather was a clear allusion to Stormy Daniels,” Blanche went on.

“You mean he cannot answer what President Biden stated without mentioning Stormy Daniels?” Merchan retorted.

“Exactly what I’m saying is that…” He is unable to reply without mentioning Stormy Daniels, your honor. He cannot reply without permission.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that Merchan is not as worried about what Trump said about Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen, who have been publicly criticizing Trump for the past year. But when he does decide to rule to exclude those two from his unlawful gag order, it will likely be too late, since he has been delaying it for so long. When they take a stand, the matter will be moot.

Following his prior utterances, the judge ruled Trump in violation of the gag order, for which he paid $9,000 in fines on Friday.