Trump Seeks Intervention from New York High Court Regarding Merchan Gag Order
Donald Trump is appealing to New York’s highest court to intervene in his legal battle over a gag order. He has been fined $10,000 and faces potential jail time for violating the ban on discussing witnesses, jurors, and others involved in the trial against him for allegedly mislabeling a payment as a legal expense.
Trump’s legal team filed a notice of appeal after a mid-level appellate court in the state denied his request to lift or modify the restrictions. The details of the filing are sealed and not publicly available.
A spokesperson for Trump’s presidential campaign, Steven Cheung, indicated that the appeal is directed at the state’s Court of Appeals.
Cheung stated, “President Trump is challenging the unconstitutional gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan in the Manhattan DA case. The threat to imprison a former US President and potential 2024 presidential candidate for exercising his First Amendment rights is reminiscent of authoritarian tactics seen in corrupt regimes.”
A panel of judges from the mid-level appeals court ruled that Trump’s public statements posed a risk to the integrity of witness testimony in the case. The gag order prevents him from discussing individuals like Michael Cohen, as well as court staff, the judge’s family, and certain prosecutors.
Despite Trump’s objections to the gag order, the court upheld the restrictions citing the need to ensure a fair trial and protect those involved in the proceedings from harm or interference.
Trump has been more cautious in his public comments following the judge’s contempt ruling and fine for violating the gag order multiple times. He now faces the possibility of jail time for any future violations.
The restrictions stemmed from concerns raised by prosecutors about Trump’s tendency to attack individuals connected to his legal matters, prompting the judge to broaden the scope of the gag order to include comments about his family and prosecutors.
Trump’s appeal contends that the gag order infringes on his free speech rights, particularly as he campaigns and faces criminal charges. However, the court maintained that the restrictions were necessary to maintain the fairness of the legal process and protect those involved from potential harm.
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