Judge Modifies Trump’s Gag Order
A judge has modified the gag order against former President Donald Trump, allowing him to comment publicly about witnesses and jurors in his hush money criminal trial. This change comes just before Trump’s upcoming debate with President Joe Biden.
Key Ruling Details
Judge Juan M. Merchan’s decision, outlined in a five-page ruling, permits Trump to speak about witnesses like his former lawyer Michael Cohen and porn actor Stormy Daniels. However, Trump is still prohibited from discussing court staffers, the prosecution team, and their families until his sentencing on July 11. The judge emphasized that these individuals must be able to perform their duties without threats or harassment.
Background on the Case
Trump was convicted on May 30 of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. This conviction marks him as the first ex-president to be convicted of a crime. The crime carries a potential sentence of up to four years in prison, though it is unclear if incarceration will be pursued.
Reactions and Appeals
Trump’s legal team had argued for a complete lifting of the gag order, claiming it infringed on his First Amendment rights. Following the ruling, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized the decision, calling it “blatantly un-American” and announcing plans to challenge it.
Remaining Restrictions
While the gag order has been partially lifted, Trump and his lawyers are still banned from disclosing the identities or addresses of jurors. Additionally, Trump cannot comment on court staff or the prosecution team until his sentencing.
Judge’s Concerns
Judge Merchan noted that although he preferred to keep the ban on comments about jurors, he could not justify it after the trial’s conclusion. The judge stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of judicial proceedings and ensuring that legal professionals can carry out their duties without fear of intimidation.
Trump’s Reactions
Since his conviction, Trump has expressed frustration with the gag order, describing it as “nasty.” He has also made comments about the jury and the trial venue, suggesting bias due to the predominantly liberal demographic of Manhattan.
Legal Developments
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office had requested the gag order remain in place until Trump’s sentencing, citing the need to protect the fair administration of justice. This gag order was initially imposed on March 26, weeks before the trial started, in response to concerns about Trump’s potential to attack individuals involved in the case.
Trump’s legal team argues that he should be allowed to defend himself publicly, especially given the continued public criticism from Cohen and Daniels. The debate over the gag order’s validity and scope is likely to continue as Trump’s sentencing approaches.