New York Judge Juan Merchan has imposed a gag order on former President Trump in the hush-money payments case, granting Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s request.
Merchan cited concerns over Trump’s past statements and their potential impact on the administration of justice, Fox News reports.
The gag order prohibits Trump from making public statements about witnesses, counsel, court staff, or jurors involved in the case. Merchan’s decision follows similar restrictions imposed during previous trials, where Trump’s statements were deemed threatening and inflammatory.
🚨The Judge’s daughter in Alvin Bragg’s case has a photo of Donald Trump BEHIND BARS in a jail cell as her profile picture on 𝕏.
He cannot receive a fair trial with this judge and now they have imposed a GAG ORDER on Trump for pointing this out…
DISQUALIFYING pic.twitter.com/VcgUSjSyiM
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 27, 2024
In response to the gag order, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized the decision as “unconstitutional,” arguing that it violates the First Amendment rights of Americans. Cheung emphasized Trump’s role as a leading political figure and expressed concerns about the restriction’s impact on free speech.
“American voters have a fundamental right to hear the uncensored voice of the leading candidate for the highest office in the land,” Cheung stated. Despite the order, Cheung affirmed Trump’s commitment to fighting for the country and the Constitution.
The gag order comes amid preparations for the trial, which is set to begin on April 15. Bragg has indicted Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records, alleging that Trump concealed damaging information from the public during the 2016 presidential election.
The charges stem from alleged hush-money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal during the campaign. While federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York opted not to charge Trump in 2019, Bragg’s indictment represents a new legal challenge for the former president.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Trump maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. The case has reignited debate over campaign finance laws and the extent of presidential immunity, with both sides preparing for a contentious legal showdown.
The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Trump’s political future and potentially, the presidential election.
