The Legal and Political Conundrum of Donald Trump's Speech.
As a criminal defendant in the Manhattan court, former President Donald Trump is under the authority of presiding judge Juan M. Merchan, who has cautioned him against incendiary rhetoric. Trump's fiery rhetoric has been a key part of his political identity, but he will have to appeal to his political base without crossing a line that might cause the judge to take action against him. Merchan has the rare power to constrain Trump's speech, but he will have to be careful in how he responds to avoid any appearance of bias. Trump has the same rights as any defendant, but judges have significant power over defendants who appear before them, and Merchan would have several means of disciplining Trump if he deems it necessary.