Fact Check: how many times has trump plesded the 5th

Published August 20, 2025

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# Fact-Check: "How many times has Trump pleaded the 5th?" ## What We Know Former President Donald Trump invoked the Fifth Amendment during his depos...

Fact-Check: "How many times has Trump pleaded the 5th?"

What We Know

Former President Donald Trump invoked the Fifth Amendment during his deposition in New York as part of a civil investigation led by Attorney General Letitia James. Reports indicate that Trump pleaded the Fifth Amendment more than 440 times during this deposition, which took place in August 2022 (NPR, NBC News, Independent). This legal strategy is often used to avoid self-incrimination, and Trump's decision to do so was notable given his previous criticisms of others who invoked the same right (BBC).

In the context of this investigation, Trump's company, the Trump Organization, is accused of misrepresenting the value of its assets to secure loans and tax benefits (NPR). Trump's invocation of the Fifth Amendment has been a point of contention, particularly because he had previously questioned why individuals would plead the Fifth if they were innocent (NBC News).

Analysis

The claim that Trump pleaded the Fifth Amendment over 400 times is supported by multiple credible sources. For instance, NBC News and NPR both report that Trump invoked this right more than 440 times during his deposition. The consistency across these reports lends credibility to the claim.

However, it's important to note the context in which these statements were made. Trump's deposition was part of a civil investigation, which differs from a criminal proceeding. While invoking the Fifth Amendment is a legal right, it can also be interpreted in various ways by the public and legal experts. Critics argue that his decision to plead the Fifth contradicts his previous statements about the implications of doing so (MSNBC).

Additionally, while the sources reporting on Trump's invocation of the Fifth are generally reputable, some articles, such as those from The Borowitz Report, may contain satirical elements that could mislead readers about the seriousness of the situation. Therefore, it is crucial to differentiate between serious reporting and satire when evaluating the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that Donald Trump pleaded the Fifth Amendment over 400 times during his deposition is supported by multiple credible sources. However, the exact number of times he invoked this right can vary slightly depending on the source, with reports indicating figures ranging from 440 to 450 times. Given the mixed context and the potential for varying interpretations of the implications of pleading the Fifth, the overall claim remains Unverified. The lack of a definitive, universally accepted count and the varying interpretations of the implications of his actions contribute to this verdict.

Sources

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