Fact Check: Trump pleaded the Fifth 97 times

The Claim: "Trump pleaded the Fifth 97 times"

Introduction

The assertion that Donald Trump pleaded the Fifth Amendment 97 times originates from his 1990 divorce deposition. This claim has resurfaced in various discussions about Trump's legal strategies and public statements regarding the Fifth Amendment. The context of this claim is critical, as it reflects on Trump's past legal challenges and his current legal troubles.

What We Know

1. Historical Context: In 1990, during a divorce deposition involving Ivana Trump, Donald Trump invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 97 times in response to questions primarily concerning allegations of infidelity 410.

2. Current Legal Issues: In recent years, Trump has faced multiple legal challenges, including a civil investigation by the New York Attorney General into his business practices. During this investigation, he has also invoked the Fifth Amendment, but reports indicate he did so nearly 450 times during his deposition 29.

3. Fifth Amendment Overview: The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from being compelled to testify against themselves in criminal cases. It is often invoked in legal proceedings to avoid self-incrimination 5.

Analysis

The claim that Trump pleaded the Fifth 97 times is factually accurate but requires contextual understanding. The source of this claim, primarily derived from legal documents and news reports, is credible. For example, the Associated Press and NBC News provide detailed accounts of Trump's legal history, including the specific instance of the 97 invocations during the 1990 divorce proceedings 24.

However, the context is essential. The 97 instances occurred in a specific legal situation—his divorce—rather than in a criminal investigation, which might lead to different interpretations of his actions. Critics often point out the irony in Trump's previous statements criticizing others for invoking the Fifth, contrasting with his own use of the amendment 79.

The reliability of sources discussing Trump's legal history varies. For example, mainstream news outlets like NBC News and the Associated Press are generally considered reliable, as they adhere to journalistic standards and fact-checking protocols. In contrast, sources like Wikipedia, while useful for a general overview, may not always provide the most current or comprehensive information due to the collaborative nature of their content 3.

Moreover, the claim has been discussed in various political contexts, which may introduce bias. For instance, articles from partisan outlets may emphasize the implications of Trump's actions in a way that aligns with their political narratives, potentially skewing public perception 910.

Conflicts of Interest

Some sources discussing Trump's legal issues may have inherent biases, especially those with clear political affiliations. For example, articles that focus on Trump's past statements about the Fifth Amendment may be influenced by the authors' political views, which could affect their interpretation of his actions.

Methodological Considerations

While the claim about the 97 invocations is well-documented, further information about the nature of the questions he refused to answer could provide deeper insights into the implications of his decision to plead the Fifth. Additionally, understanding the context of his more recent invocations of the Fifth Amendment during the New York AG's investigation could help clarify whether his legal strategy has changed over time.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that Donald Trump pleaded the Fifth Amendment 97 times is substantiated by credible sources and historical documentation from his 1990 divorce deposition. This figure is not only accurate but also highlights a notable aspect of Trump's legal history. However, it is essential to recognize that these invocations occurred in the context of a divorce proceeding rather than a criminal investigation, which may influence interpretations of his legal strategy and intentions.

While the evidence supporting this claim is robust, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available information. The context surrounding the invocation of the Fifth Amendment can vary significantly depending on the legal circumstances, and the implications of such actions can be interpreted differently across political and social spectrums. Additionally, the reliability of sources can vary, and biases may exist in how this information is presented.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the broader context in which such claims are made, as well as the potential biases of the sources discussing them.

Sources

1. United States v. Donald J. Trump. Retrieved from Justice.gov
2. Trump invokes Fifth Amendment nearly 450 times in N.Y. AG’s civil probe of his business practices. NBC News. Retrieved from NBC News
3. False or misleading statements by Donald Trump - Wikipedia. Retrieved from Wikipedia
4. Trump and the Fifth Amendment: It's complicated. AP News. Retrieved from AP News
5. Donald Trump 'took the Fifth.' What does it actually mean? AP News. Retrieved from AP News
6. Fact-Checking Trump’s False Claims in His First 100 Days in Office. The New York Times. Retrieved from NY Times
7. ‘If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth?’ Trump said — years after invoking it himself. The Washington Post. Retrieved from Washington Post
8. Trump on people pleading the Fifth Amendment: 'Disgraceful'. BBC News. Retrieved from BBC
9. PolitiFact | How does Trump feel about the Fifth Amendment? Depends who is taking it. Retrieved from PolitiFact
10. Trump blasts those who take the Fifth, but he used it 97 times on adultery questions. Charlotte Observer. Retrieved from Charlotte Observer