A New York appellate court has upheld the narrowed gag order on former President Donald Trump, restricting his public comments regarding Manhattan prosecutors involved in his criminal trial. Despite Trump’s efforts to lift the remaining restrictions, the court’s decision maintains limits on his speech during a critical period of his 2024 presidential campaign.
In late June, Judge Juan Merchan adjusted the initial gag order, allowing Trump to comment on witnesses and jurors. However, the judge retained restrictions preventing Trump from discussing prosecutors and other trial participants. The Appellate Division, First Department, supported Merchan’s decision, stating that the conclusion of the trial did not change the circumstances warranting the continuation of these restrictions.
The court’s ruling cited ongoing threats received by the staff of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, underscoring the need for the gag order’s continuation. This decision follows an incident in late July where a Nevada man was detained for allegedly sending death threats to Bragg and Judge Merchan. Trump’s sentencing in the case, which resulted in his conviction on 34 felony counts, is scheduled for September 18.
Trump’s legal team argued that the gag order should be fully lifted following the trial’s conclusion. However, the appeals court found that, given the severity of the threats and the fact that Trump has not yet been sentenced, the restrictions remain justified. This ruling limits Trump’s ability to comment on certain aspects of the case as he campaigns for the presidency.
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