A New York judge has partially lifted a gag order on Donald Trump, following his conviction on charges related to silencing a porn star to influence the 2016 election. The new order allows Trump to discuss witnesses and eases restrictions on comments about the jury, but maintains limits on statements about prosecutors and others involved in the case.
The prohibition against revealing the identities of the anonymous jury remains intact. This decision follows prosecutors’ reports of Trump supporters attempting to identify and threaten jurors. “There is ample evidence to justify continued concern for the jurors,” wrote Justice Juan Merchan.
Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the partial lift, calling it unfair. “What does partial mean?” he questioned in a Newsmax interview. “The gag order has to be lifted in its entirety.” His legal team argued that the gag order hindered his campaign, especially with an upcoming debate against Democratic President Joe Biden.
In a historic trial, a Manhattan jury found Trump guilty on May 30 of covering up a $130,000 hush money payment by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to an adult film actress who threatened to expose a sexual encounter with Trump before the 2016 election. Trump, who denies the encounter, plans to appeal and faces sentencing on July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention.
Merchan had imposed the gag order before the trial, citing Trump’s history of threatening statements. During the trial, Trump was fined $10,000 for violating the order and warned of jail time for further breaches.
The judge noted that while the trial’s conclusion altered some circumstances, the restriction on comments about individual prosecutors, court staff, and their families would remain until sentencing. This is to ensure they can perform their duties without threats or harassment. Prosecutors had argued that limits on Trump’s speech were necessary for safety, citing multiple threats against District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his team.
Defense lawyers contended that holding Trump accountable for the actions of third parties infringed on his free speech rights. The revised order still permits Trump to criticize the case and comment on Merchan and Bragg.
