Judge partially lifts gag order on Trump in NY case
Former President Trump has been at odds with the gag order imposed against him by Judge Juan Merchan during his criminal trial, but there has been a recent development. Merchan has partially lifted the gag order following the conclusion of the trial, allowing Trump to now speak about protected witnesses and jurors.
The gag order had barred Trump from making public statements about witnesses, counsel in the case, court staff, and family members of staff. However, Trump is still prohibited from commenting on individual prosecutors, court staff, and their family members until his sentencing on July 11.
Despite Trump’s legal team’s efforts to have the gag order lifted before the June 27 presidential debate, the New York Court of Appeals rejected his bid, stating that “no substantial constitutional question is directly involved.” The former president was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, stemming from charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Trump and his defense attorneys argued that the gag order violated his First Amendment rights as well as the rights of his supporters. Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesperson, criticized the decision to uphold parts of the gag order, calling it “unlawful” and “blatantly un-American.”
With Trump’s sentencing scheduled for July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention, where he is expected to be nominated as the 2024 Republican presidential nominee, the legal battle surrounding the gag order continues. Despite the lifting of certain restrictions, Trump’s ability to speak freely remains limited as he prepares for the next stage of his legal battle and political future.
