The New York Court of Appeals has denied former President Trump’s request to lift the gag order imposed on him by Judge Juan Merchan. The gag order prohibits Trump from speaking about witnesses and the case following the conclusion of his trial. Trump’s lawyers argued that the gag order infringed on his First Amendment rights and pointed to the upcoming presidential debate as a reason for it to be lifted. However, the appeals court rejected Trump’s appeal to lift the order.
Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, stated that Trump and his legal team will continue to fight against the unconstitutional gag order. They believe that the order silences Trump, the leading candidate for President, during a crucial time in his campaign. Cheung argued that the gag order violates the First Amendment rights of Trump and his supporters, who have a right to hear his message.
The former president was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree after a six-week-long trial. The trial was based on charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Merchan had imposed the gag order before the trial began, preventing Trump from making public statements about witnesses or court staff.
Despite repeated appeals from Trump’s legal team, the gag order remained in place throughout the trial. Now that the trial has concluded, Trump’s counsel is requesting that the order be lifted, citing the lack of justification for continued restrictions on Trump’s First Amendment rights.
Trump was fined $10,000 for violating the gag order during the trial, and Merchan warned him of potential jail time for further violations. Trump continues to maintain that the gag order is unfair and infringes on his rights and the rights of his supporters.
Trump’s sentencing date is scheduled for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention where he is expected to be formally nominated as the 2024 Republican presidential candidate. Despite facing legal challenges, Trump remains determined to continue fighting against the gag order and uphold his right to free speech.