Trump’s lawyers are fighting against a court order to stay quiet.
Former President Trump has made headlines once again as his defense team filed a motion to appeal the gag order imposed on him in the NY v. Trump case. Trump announced on Thursday that the order, which he deems unconstitutional, restricts him from publicly discussing the details of the case.
In a statement to the media, Trump expressed his frustration with the gag order, stating, “I just want to let you know that we’ve just filed a major motion in the appellate division concerning the absolutely unconstitutional gag order, where I’m essentially not allowed to talk to you about anything meaningful that’s going on in the case. And many good things are going on with the case. It shouldn’t have been filed.”
The gag order prohibits Trump from discussing witnesses, court staff, or any related parties involved in the case. The judge has already fined Trump $10,000 for violating the order ten times and has warned of potential jail time if the violations continue.
Legal experts like Alan Dershowitz and Jonathan Turley have criticized the trial, with Dershowitz questioning the charges against Trump and calling the proceedings a “sham.” Trump shared these sentiments with the media, quoting Dershowitz’s confusion over the alleged crimes.
During the trial, former pornographic actress Stormy Daniels took the stand to provide details of her alleged affair with Trump in 2006. Daniels claimed they had intercourse during a golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, which Trump has denied. She also shared her transition from exotic dancing to the adult film industry.
The case at hand focuses on the falsification of business records, specifically regarding payments made to Daniels to keep her allegations quiet. Prosecutors allege that Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, paid Daniels $130,000 and that the Trump Organization later reimbursed Cohen fraudulently.
Despite objections from legal experts that Daniels’ testimony is irrelevant, the judge allowed it into the trial record. Trump’s defense team sought a mistrial following Daniels’ testimony, which was denied by Judge Juan Merchan.
Trump took to social media to express his discontent with the trial, labeling it a “Witch Hunt” orchestrated to interfere with elections and hinder his political opposition. He criticized the prosecution and the alleged coordination between the District Attorney’s office, the Department of Justice, and the White House.
As the trial continues, Stormy Daniels is expected to take the stand again to provide further testimony. The legal battle between Trump and the state of New York shows no signs of slowing down as both sides present their arguments in court.
