New York Judge Partially Lifts Gag Order on Trump in Hush Money Case
A New York judge has partially lifted a gag order on former President Donald Trump in his hush money criminal case, according to The Hill. This update allows Trump to speak about trial witnesses, including Michael Cohen and Stormy Daniels, who have been subjects of his criticism. The timing is significant, as it comes just before the first presidential debate of 2024 on June 27, where Trump may discuss his conviction.
However, the gag order still restricts Trump from discussing the prosecutors in the case, except for District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Juan Merchan. Judge Merchan indicated that these restrictions would be lifted after the sentencing on July 11.
The decision also permits Trump to comment on the jury that convicted him on 34 criminal charges last month. Nonetheless, a separate protective order remains in place that prevents him from revealing the jurors’ identities publicly. Judge Merchan noted his preference to keep the jurors’ identities protected, aligning with the prosecution’s wishes, but acknowledged the trial’s conclusion changes the circumstances.
Trump was found guilty last month of falsifying business records in relation to a hush money payment made by his former lawyer, Cohen, to adult film actress Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump has denied the affair and plans to appeal the conviction.
Throughout the proceedings, Trump has argued that the gag order infringes on his First Amendment rights, especially as a leading Republican presidential candidate. Following the trial’s conclusion, Trump’s legal team pushed for the lifting of the restrictions.
In defending the original gag order, Judge Merchan stated it was carefully designed to address significant concerns about Trump’s public comments. He cited multiple violations of the gag order by Trump during the trial, resulting in fines and warnings of potential jail time for future breaches.
Trump’s conviction is unprecedented, making him the first former U.S. president ever found guilty in a criminal case. District Attorney Bragg has not yet disclosed whether his office will pursue a prison sentence for Trump.
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