Stephen King’s Remark on Donald Trump Not Testifying Goes Viral

Stephen King has criticized Donald Trump for not testifying during his hush-money trial.

The former president’s defense has officially rested its case in his New York trial, which marks the first criminal trial of a former president in U.S. history. The jury is set to return next week with a verdict.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in relation to $130,000 paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.

Despite previously saying he would take the stand, Trump did not testify on his own behalf. After the defense rested, King weighed in on that decision, calling the business owner “chicks***” for not testifying.

Newsweek has contacted spokespeople for Trump and King for comment via email.

“So, Trump was too chicks*** to testify [rolling on the floor laughing emoji],” the horror author posted on X, formerly Twitter, on May 21. At the time of writing, the post had received 563,700 views.

King, who joined the Democratic Party in 1970, isn’t shy about condemning Trump, often criticizing the former president on social media. The critically acclaimed author’s comments are often divisive, and Tuesday’s post was no different.

Some X users criticized King over the post, with many sharing their thoughts as to why Trump did not testify.

“Because a totally corrupt prosecution would not then attempt to corruptly manufacture a charge of perjury, right? It’s a shame what TDS [Trump derangement syndrome] has done it to your brain. I would say it has turned into horses***, but even horses*** serves a useful purpose of manure. You have just become a destructive force. Hope it feels good,” one commenter wrote.

Another added, “What attorney would have their client testify when the other side’s case is so awful?”

“He didn’t have too.. He’s not guilty,” a user said.

Others agreed with the author—with one user writing, “Total chicken.”

Another wrote: “Truth is like kryptonite to Trump so he refuses to testify. His fascist movement is built on the Big Lie, so GOP fixers on SCOTUS & Judge Cannon delayed trials to stop truth from reaching voters. For Biden to win, we need to flood the field with FACTS!”

A user commented, “That figures he’s about to be sent to Rikers Island!”

Previously, Trump said the gag order in his hush-money trial meant he was not allowed to testify as part of his defense, but he later corrected the false claim.

Merchan issued a limited gag order that prohibited the former president from speaking about jurors, witnesses, court staff and their family members. The order did not, however, affect Trump’s right to testify in the criminal trial.

While addressing the press outside the Manhattan courtroom on May 2, Trump was asked when he intended to take the stand, and he said the gag order would block his testimony.

“Well, I’m not allowed to testify, I’m under a gag order I guess, right?” Trump said. “I can’t even testify … No, we’re going to be appealing the gag order. I’d love to answer that question … but I’m not allowed to testify.”

“It’s such a rigged court,” he continued. “I’m not allowed to testify because of an unconstitutional gag order. We’re appealing the gag order and let’s see what happens.”

Following Trump’s statement, Merchan corrected the former president in court, “I want to stress, Mr. Trump, that you have an absolute right to testify at trial.”

King previously criticized Trump when he was found in contempt of court after violating the gag order.

“The law-and-order guy found in contempt of court,” the horror author wrote. “Let me say it again: Contempt. Of court. Contempt.”

He added: “The times we’re in. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.”