After MAGA criticized President Biden’s doctor for invoking the Fifth Amendment (right to remain silent) 14 times to keep Biden’s personal medical information private, an old video recording Donald Trump also invoking the Fifth Amendment 400 times suddenly went viral on social media, causing further uproar in American public opinion.
The incident began when MAGA members – loyal supporters of Mr. Trump – strongly condemned President Biden’s personal doctor for refusing to answer 14 questions related to his health condition. They believe that this action is a clear sign that Mr. Biden has something to hide about his physical fitness and ability to serve as head of state at the age of over 80.
However, the online community immediately “dug up” a shocking clip recording Mr. Donald Trump’s testimony before the New York State Attorney General’s office in 2022. In the video, Mr. Trump invoked the Fifth Amendment – which allows US citizens to refuse to answer questions that could incriminate themselves – up to 400 times in just one interrogation. The clip was quickly shared millions of times at a dizzying speed on TikTok, X (Twitter), Facebook and Reddit.
The spread of this video put the MAGA faction in a difficult position. Many people pointed out the obvious contradiction: If Mr. Biden’s doctor invoking the right to remain silent 14 times was considered “unclear”, then what about former President Trump’s silence 400 times? Many observers believe that MAGA’s attack on Biden’s health is counterproductive, unintentionally recalling a series of legal troubles for Trump in the investigations of financial fraud, tax records and business activities of the Trump Organization.
Some celebrities also quickly joined in the “salty commentary”. Famous actor and MC Jon Stewart posted on X: “Both invoked the Fifth Amendment, the only difference is that Biden did not do it himself – his doctor did. Trump did it himself 400 times. So who is hiding more?”
Responding to the video, a representative of Mr. Trump’s election campaign said: “Invoking the Fifth Amendment is the constitutional right of every American citizen when facing politically motivated and biased investigations.” However, this statement did not quell the wave of ridicule and controversy online.
Meanwhile, the White House has yet to comment directly on the old clip of Mr. Trump, but many inside sources said they are secretly taking advantage of this event to “turn the tables” on allegations about Mr. Biden’s health. Some Democratic strategists said that MAGA “shot itself in the foot” by pointing the spear at Mr. Biden’s medical records, because this gives the public an excuse to recall Mr. Trump’s much larger legal scandals.
The incident is becoming a hot topic of debate between the two factions of American voters, especially in the context of the 2024 presidential election entering a tense phase. The question “Who is hiding what?” will continue to stir up the political atmosphere, as both candidates face doubts about transparency – one about health, the other about legality.
Whatever the final truth, the video of Trump “silenced” 400 times will certainly continue to be a “weapon” that is constantly shared in the coming months of the election campaign. And for American voters, seemingly small details like this are sometimes enough to turn the entire race for the White House.
