A New York appeals court has upheld the gag order against former President Donald Trump for his criminal trial in Manhattan, ruling that he must remain silent on certain matters related to the case. Trump is allowed to appeal this decision to the New York Court of Appeals.
The gag order prohibits Trump from publicly discussing witnesses, court staff, the district attorney’s staff, or their family members if such statements are intended to interfere with the case. It also includes prospective jurors. The court justified the gag order by balancing Trump’s First Amendment rights with the need to ensure a fair trial and protect those involved in the case from threats or harassment.
Trump has argued that the gag order violates his constitutional rights. He expressed frustration with the order, stating, “You ask me questions; I’m not allowed to respond.” Trump was fined $1,000 for violating the gag order, and has not repeated the offense since the last ruling.
The gag order read, “We find that Justice Merchan properly weighed petitioner’s First Amendment Rights against the court’s historical commitment to ensuring the fair administration of justice in criminal cases, and the right of persons related or tangentially related to the criminal proceedings from being free from threats, intimidation, harassment, and harm.”
The case, titled Trump v. Merchan, is being heard at the Supreme Court of the State of New York Appellate Division, First Judicial Department.
{Matzav.com}