Manhattan prosecutors say Trump should not be allowed to speak publicly about case

Manhattan prosecutors are opposing former President Trump’s request to have the gag order imposed against him lifted now that his criminal trial is complete, saying the court “has an obligation to protect the integrity” of the proceedings.

The former president was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree following a six-week-long trial initiated by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Judge Juan Merchan had imposed a gag order on Trump before the trial began, restricting him from making any public statements about witnesses, counsel in the case, court staff, DA staff, or family members of staff.

Despite repeated appeals from Trump’s legal team to lift the order, they have been consistently denied.

Trump defense attorney Todd Blanche recently wrote a letter requesting the gag order be lifted, citing the upcoming presidential election and the first debate against President Biden as well as emphasizing the former president’s First Amendment rights.

However, Manhattan prosecutor Matthew Colangelo, representing Bragg, opposed Trump’s requests, stating that the gag order should remain in place for the time being.

Colangelo argued that the court’s Orders were initially put in place to avoid threats to the fairness of the trial and to protect the integrity of the proceedings and the administration of justice.

Colangelo emphasized that their interests have not diminished, and the court has an obligation to uphold the integrity of the proceedings until the sentencing hearing and the resolution of any post-trial motions.

Trump was fined $10,000 for violating the gag order during the trial, with the possibility of facing jail time for further infractions.

Trump and his defense team have continued to assert that the gag order infringes upon his First Amendment rights and the rights of his supporters.

Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention, where he is anticipated to be formally nominated as the Republican presidential candidate.