Judge issues gag order on Trump in New York hush money case

The New York judge overseeing a criminal case against Donald Trump concerning hush money payments has placed a gag order on the former president, limiting public comments about individuals connected to the case. This move comes after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg requested the restriction. Judge Juan Merchan said Trump has a history of making “threatening, inflammatory, denigrating” remarks.

“The uncontested record reflecting the Defendant’s prior extra-judicial statements establishes a sufficient risk to the administration of justice … and there exists no less restrictive means to prevent such risk,” Merchan wrote.

The case, set to go to trial in April, centers on a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016.

“Judge Merchan’s unconstitutional Gag Order prevents President Trump — the leading candidate for President of the United States — from engaging in core political speech, which is entitled to the highest level of protection under the First Amendment,” said Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung. “American voters have a fundamental right to hear the uncensored voice of the leading candidate for the highest office in the land.”

Trump, charged with falsifying business records related to this payment, has pleaded not guilty. He alleges the case against him is politically motivated, aimed at hindering his potential return to the presidency.

The gag order bars Trump from speaking about potential witnesses, jurors, court staff, and lawyers involved, although he can still critique DA Bragg and Judge Merchan. Trump recently criticized Merchan’s daughter for her work with a Democratic consulting firm, reigniting concerns about his conduct regarding case-related individuals.