Former President Donald Trump is seeking intervention from New York's highest court in his ongoing legal battle concerning a gag order imposed on him. The order, which prohibits Trump from commenting on witnesses, jurors, and others involved in his hush money criminal trial, has resulted in a $10,000 fine and the threat of jail time for the former president.
Trump's legal team filed a notice of appeal following a decision by the state's mid-level appellate court to uphold the restrictions. The appeal seeks the state's Court of Appeals to review the matter and potentially lift or modify the gag order.
In response to the appeal, a spokesperson for Trump's presidential campaign criticized the gag order as unconstitutional and un-American, accusing the judge of employing authoritarian tactics reminiscent of Third World regimes.
The mid-level appeals court ruled that the gag order was justified, citing concerns about the integrity of witness testimony in the case. The order prohibits Trump from making statements about key individuals involved in the trial, including his former associate Michael Cohen.
Trump had previously violated the gag order multiple times, resulting in fines and a contempt of court charge. The judge warned that further violations could lead to jail time for the former president.
The appeal argues that the gag order infringes on Trump's free speech rights, particularly in the context of his political campaign and legal defense. However, the appeals court upheld the restrictions, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a fair administration of justice in criminal cases.
The legal battle over the gag order continues as Trump seeks to challenge the restrictions imposed on his public statements during the ongoing criminal trial.
