Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has taken legal action against the state of New York, alleging that it violated the First Amendment rights of Missourians by restricting former President Trump's ability to campaign during the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Bailey's lawsuit claims that New York's actions have hindered Trump's campaign efforts, thereby depriving Missourians of the opportunity to make an informed decision when casting their votes.
The lawsuit, which has been filed with the Supreme Court, seeks to declare New York's restrictions on Trump's campaign as unlawful interference in the presidential election. Bailey is pushing for the removal of any gag orders against Trump and a halt to his pending sentencing until after the election.
Bailey criticized what he referred to as 'radical progressives in New York' for attempting to influence the election and vowed to ensure that every Missourian can exercise their right to hear from and vote for their preferred presidential candidate.
The lawsuit alleges three specific violations, including interference with the presidential election in other states, violation of the First Amendment, and the unlawful alteration of election rules close to the election date. This legal action comes on the heels of Trump's recent guilty verdict in New York, where he faces a potential maximum sentence of 136 years.
Bailey condemned the legal proceedings against Trump as detrimental to American democracy and accused New York prosecutors of engaging in what he termed as 'reprehensible lawfare' against the former president. He has requested the court to halt any further action in the New York case until after the election.
Trump, in response to the legal developments, has sought to overturn his conviction and delay his sentencing, citing substantial immunity for official acts committed while in office. The sentencing date has been postponed to September 18, following a ruling by Judge Juan Merchan.
