New York Judge Juan Merchan has granted Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's request for a gag order against former President Trump in the hush-money payments case. The order, issued on Tuesday, prohibits Trump from making public statements about witnesses, counsel in the case, court staff, DA staff, family members of staff, prospective jurors, or chosen jurors.
Merchan cited Trump's prior extrajudicial statements as posing a risk to the administration of justice. The judge referenced Trump's past threatening, inflammatory, and denigrating statements made during other trials, which led to increased security measures for targeted individuals and their families.
The Trump campaign criticized the gag order as unconstitutional, arguing that it violates Americans' First Amendment rights to listen to Trump's speech. The campaign spokesperson emphasized that the order restricts political speech, especially during the campaign season.
Manhattan DA Bragg had requested the gag order to prevent Trump from attacking individuals involved in his legal cases and to limit the disclosure of juror information. Bragg also sought to restrict evidence and testimony related to campaign finance.
Trump, who pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records, is facing allegations of concealing criminal conduct during the 2016 presidential election. The trial is set to begin on April 15, as announced by Judge Merchan.
Despite the gag order, the Trump campaign vows to continue fighting for the country and the Constitution, asserting that American voters have the right to hear the uncensored voice of the presidential candidate.
